1. Political Parties

2. The Meaning of Party Political Party:
A “team of men [and women] seeking to control the governing apparatus by gaining office in a duly constituted election.”

3. Meaning of Party Parties can be thought of in three parts:
Party in the Electorate: consists of members of the party…everyday Americans
Party as an organization: national office, full time staff, rules, bylaws and budget.
Party in Government: elected officials who call themselves members of the party.

4. The Meaning of Party Tasks of the Parties
Linkage Institution: The channels through which people’s concerns become political issues on the government’s policy agenda.
Pick Candidates
Run Campaigns
Motivate Voters
Coordinate Policymaking

5. The Meaning of Party Parties, Voters, and Policy: The Downs Model
Rational-choice theory: Assumes that individuals act in their own best interest, weighing the costs & benefits.
Figure 8.1

6. The Party in the Electorate
Marketplace:
A party is the market for voters; its products are candidates and policies.
Party identification
citizen’s self-proclaimed preference for one party or the other.
Ticket-splitting:
Voting with one party for one office and with another party for other offices.
Ticket-splitting has become the norm in American voting behavior.

7. The Party Organizations: From the Grass Roots to Washington
Local Parties
Party Machines: A type of political party organization that relies heavily on material inducements to win votes and to govern.
Patronage: A job, promotion or contract given for political reasons rather than merit. Used by party machines.

8. The Party Organizations: From the Grass Roots to Washington
The 50 State Party Systems
Closed primaries: voters must be registered with their party in advance and can only vote for that party
Open primaries: voters decide on election day which party to participate in, and then only that party
Blanket primaries: voters get a list of all candidates and can vote for one name for each office, regardless of party label

9. The Party Organizations: From the Grass Roots to Washington
The National Party Organizations
National Convention: The meeting of party delegates every four years to choose a presidential ticket and the party’s platform.
National Committee: One of the institutions that keeps the party operating between conventions.
National Chairperson: Responsible for day-to-day activities of the party.
Coalition:
A group of individuals with a common interest upon which every political party depends.

10. Party Eras in American History
Critical Election
An electoral “earthquake” where new issues and new coalitions emerge.
Party Realignment
The displacement of the majority party by the minority party, usually during a critical election.

11. Party Eras in American History
: The First Party System
Federalists – first party created by Alexander Hamilton
Democratic Republicans – created by Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe
Defeated Federalists
*Both Parties Weak*
: Democrats vs. Whigs
Modern Democrats created by Andrew Jackson
Conservative party
Whigs formed mainly in opposition to Democrats

12. Party Eras in American History
: The Two Republican Eras
Republicans rose as the antislavery/liberal party
1896 election revolved around the gold standard
: The New Deal Coalition
Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt created many social economic programs
relied upon lower class and minorities
*Democrats now “liberal”*

13. Party Eras in American History
1968-Present: The Era of Divided Party Government
Party dealignment - disengagement of people from parties
Party neutrality - people are indifferent towards the two parties

14. Third Parties: Their Impact on American Politics
Rarely win elections
Third parties bring new groups and ideas into politics
Two-party system discourages extreme views

15. Third Parties: Their Impact on American Politics
Winner-take-all system:
Legislative seats awarded only to first place finishers.
Proportional Representation:
Legislative seats awarded based on votes received by the party - more votes, more seats
Coalition Government:
Two or more parties join to run government

16. Third Parties cont.
Single Issue Parties- promote a social, economic, or moral issue (usually don’t last long)
Prohibitionists Party formed in 1872 to ban alcohol

17. Other Party Systems
- Multiparty System- one party rarely wins enough support to completely control government
-Many countries have this: Germany has over 5 political parties, Israel has over 20
- One-Party System- the party and government are the same
-People’s Republic of China has 1 party: The Communist Party

18. Understanding Political Parties
Democracy and Responsible Party Government
1. Parties have distinct comprehensive programs.
2. Candidates are committed to the program.
3. Majority party must carry out its program.
4. Majority party must accept responsibility.

19. Understanding Political Parties
American Political Parties and the Scope of Government
Lack of uniformity keeps government small
But, it also makes cutting government programs harder to do

20. Understanding Political Parties
Is the Party Over?
Political parties are no longer the chief source of information for voters
State and national party organizations are getting stronger
Majority of people still identify with a party, but still split their tickets
Parties will continue to be around