1. AP Government Unit 2 – Chap. 12
Political Parties
AP Government
Unit 2 – Chap. 12

2. The Main Political Parties in the U.S. Today
Our system contains two major parties
The Democratic Party and the Republican Party.
We are a country of Centrists
We also have a number of minor or third parties at any given time.
Among the more important third parties today are the Reform Party and the Libertarian Party.

3. Political Parties 1. Win elections 2. Hold public office
3. Operate the government
4. Determine public policy

4. Parties are Made Up of Three Types of “Members”
Party in Governmental
The office holders and candidates who pursue political objectives in the name of the party
Party Organization - Workers and activists of the party
Party-in-the-electorate
Those who vote for the party or consider themselves to be allied or associated with Democrats or Republicans, the general public

5. Functions of Parties
1. Recruit and nominate candidates for public office
2. Running political campaigns
3. Articulating positions on issues
4. Critiquing the policies of the opposition
5. Serve as a linkage institution that connects citizens to government a) provides information b) mobilizes voters c) raises funds

6. Types of Party Systems
One-party - one party exercises total control over the government - China and North Korea
Multiparty - a number of political parties compete for offices - they represent a wide variety of ideologies about policies - France, Italy
Two-party - two major parties compete for major offices - United Kingdom, India, United States

7. Reasons for the two-party system*
Political values: freedom, political equality,
Tradition: It is all that we know (even though Washington warned against it!) We have never embraced a strong socialist party
Most Americans are moderates (centrists)
Consensus: US is a pluralistic (different views) society and this helps forms some cohesion.

8. Reasons for the two-party system
Single-Member Districts: 1. Almost all elections involve single-member districts – one candidate is elected to each office on the ballot 2. candidate with the most votes wins 3. it is a winner-take-all system – not proportional representation 4. Our system discourages Third Parties with expensive campaigns and little chance of success 5. Legislatures are dominated by two parties

9. Reasons for the two-party system
Legal barriers to Third Party: 1. The Democrats and Republicans are automatically placed on state ballots 2. Minor Parties must persuade registered voters to sign petitions in order to get on the ballot 3. We have had a two-party system since 1800

10. The Origins of Political Parties
Political Parties are Extra-Constitutional (can’t find them in the Constitution)
Federalist #10 warned against factions, but stressed the United States was too big to be influenced by one group
Battle began over a strong central government vs. states’ and individual rights
First U.S. political unions: Federalists and Anti-Federalists
The American Heritage Dictionary defines a faction as “a group of persons forming a cohesive, usually contentious minority within a larger group.” The interaction between such groups constitutes factionalism, the foundation of American politics: groups of people, cohesive due to their shared beliefs, struggling to be heard and striving for control of government. It brings into question whether anything would get done if all members of the government constantly argued and schemed. James Madison characterized factions as “adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community” and felt that in a democracy, if a majority faction gained power it would pose a grave threat to individual rights and liberties. However, he also recognized the inevitability of factions in a diverse country whose citizens had freedoms of expression, assembly, and petition—as well as a voice in determining their elected officials. Madison argued that having representative democracy and encouraging the U.S. to develop as a large, diverse republic would prevent a “tyranny of the majority” from forming. Many of the Founders shared Madison’s opinions and held a deep distrust of “faction”; however, this did not prevent them forming what would essentially become America’s first political parties.
The first political parties to arise in the United States were the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. The two groups emerged in the late 1780s during the battles over whether to ratify the new Constitution. Those who supported the Constitution came to be called “Federalists.” They sought a strong central government to help administer the entire nation. Those who opposed this plan became known as the “Anti-Federalists.” They saw the Constitution as giving too much power to the central government and felt it posed a danger to both states’ rights and individual rights.
“Congressional Pugilists,” a 1798 political cartoon

11. In his Farewell Address he warned against political factions
Washington is the only president to unanimously elected to office (1788)
In his Farewell Address he warned against political factions
1796 – First election with parties: John Adams (71) – Federalists
Thomas Jefferson (68) – Democratic Republicans
Adams was president Jefferson was vice president absolute disaster!
The American Heritage Dictionary defines a faction as “a group of persons forming a cohesive, usually contentious minority within a larger group.” The interaction between such groups constitutes factionalism, the foundation of American politics: groups of people, cohesive due to their shared beliefs, struggling to be heard and striving for control of government. It brings into question whether anything would get done if all members of the government constantly argued and schemed. James Madison characterized factions as “adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community” and felt that in a democracy, if a majority faction gained power it would pose a grave threat to individual rights and liberties. However, he also recognized the inevitability of factions in a diverse country whose citizens had freedoms of expression, assembly, and petition—as well as a voice in determining their elected officials. Madison argued that having representative democracy and encouraging the U.S. to develop as a large, diverse republic would prevent a “tyranny of the majority” from forming. Many of the Founders shared Madison’s opinions and held a deep distrust of “faction”; however, this did not prevent them forming what would essentially become America’s first political parties.
The first political parties to arise in the United States were the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. The two groups emerged in the late 1780s during the battles over whether to ratify the new Constitution. Those who supported the Constitution came to be called “Federalists.” They sought a strong central government to help administer the entire nation. Those who opposed this plan became known as the “Anti-Federalists.” They saw the Constitution as giving too much power to the central government and felt it posed a danger to both states’ rights and individual rights.

12. An 1860 campaign poster for Abraham Lincoln
In 1832 the Democratic Party developed from the Democratic-Republicans – nominated Andrew Jackson
Whig Party arose to counter the Democratic Party and Jackson
The Republican Party rose from the ashes of the Whig Party in 1854
The Democratic Party lost influence from its association with the Southern states during the Civil War
The Republican Party became the dominant party in the second half of the 19th century
The Democratic Party regained support via the reform movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries
An 1860 campaign poster for Abraham Lincoln
The Whig Party met its demise because of the issue of expansion of slavery into the territories. Deep cracks in the party among pro- and anti-slavery factions emerged along regional lines. For the 1852 election, Whig Party leaders denied the incumbent Millard Fillmore the nomination and instead ran General Winfield Scott, thinking that another war hero could come in to save the day. He lost decisively to Democratic nominee Franklin Pierce. Within four years, the Whigs had disintegrated into several smaller parties.
The Republican Party emerged in the 1850s as a coalition of former Whigs, Northern Democrats, and “Free Soilers” (those opposed to extending slavery into the territories). The party’s early political philosophy combined the Whig-style economic policies with a strong antislavery focus. At its formation, the party’s drew most of its support from the Northwest and Midwest. Many in 1856 considered the party’s stand against slavery too radical in a decade where politicians had compromised numerous times in order to avoid conflict between the North and the South. However, Republican Abraham Lincoln won the presidency in 1860 with only a minority of the popular vote (he didn’t even appear on many ballots in the South), civil war became all but a certainty. The Republicans controlled the government through the Civil War and dominated during Reconstruction; Democrats, on the other hand, became identified with the defeated South and saw their national influence greatly reduced once the war had ended. After Reconstruction, the Democrats began to rebuild their reputation and gather support, and during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Democrats forged a new identity as the party of reform. Incorporating the ideals of the Progressive Party (a “third party,” to be discussed later), Democrats pushed for better working conditions for factory workers as well as for social services for the urban poor.

13. The issue of slavery dominated politics
Republican Era
The issue of slavery dominated politics
Abraham Lincoln and the Republicans emerged as the most antislavery party
1860 was a critical election because the Republicans moved from a minor party to major party
Democrats survived by becoming the party of the South – “Solid South”
In 1896 the Republicans backed by industrialists, financial monopolies, and small business beat the Democrats who were backed labor unions and small western farmers
Republicans kept control until the Great Depression
The Whig Party met its demise because of the issue of expansion of slavery into the territories. Deep cracks in the party among pro- and anti-slavery factions emerged along regional lines. For the 1852 election, Whig Party leaders denied the incumbent Millard Fillmore the nomination and instead ran General Winfield Scott, thinking that another war hero could come in to save the day. He lost decisively to Democratic nominee Franklin Pierce. Within four years, the Whigs had disintegrated into several smaller parties.
The Republican Party emerged in the 1850s as a coalition of former Whigs, Northern Democrats, and “Free Soilers” (those opposed to extending slavery into the territories). The party’s early political philosophy combined the Whig-style economic policies with a strong antislavery focus. At its formation, the party’s drew most of its support from the Northwest and Midwest. Many in 1856 considered the party’s stand against slavery too radical in a decade where politicians had compromised numerous times in order to avoid conflict between the North and the South. However, Republican Abraham Lincoln won the presidency in 1860 with only a minority of the popular vote (he didn’t even appear on many ballots in the South), civil war became all but a certainty. The Republicans controlled the government through the Civil War and dominated during Reconstruction; Democrats, on the other hand, became identified with the defeated South and saw their national influence greatly reduced once the war had ended. After Reconstruction, the Democrats began to rebuild their reputation and gather support, and during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Democrats forged a new identity as the party of reform. Incorporating the ideals of the Progressive Party (a “third party,” to be discussed later), Democrats pushed for better working conditions for factory workers as well as for social services for the urban poor.

14. The Great Depression marked the end of Republican control
FDR and the New Deal
The Great Depression marked the end of Republican control
FDR and the democrats advocated massive relief, recovery, and reform; known as the New Deal
The New Deal coalition: Urban dwellers (moved from Republicans) Labor Unions Catholics and Jews Southerners African-Americans (moved from Republicans)
The Whig Party met its demise because of the issue of expansion of slavery into the territories. Deep cracks in the party among pro- and anti-slavery factions emerged along regional lines. For the 1852 election, Whig Party leaders denied the incumbent Millard Fillmore the nomination and instead ran General Winfield Scott, thinking that another war hero could come in to save the day. He lost decisively to Democratic nominee Franklin Pierce. Within four years, the Whigs had disintegrated into several smaller parties.
The Republican Party emerged in the 1850s as a coalition of former Whigs, Northern Democrats, and “Free Soilers” (those opposed to extending slavery into the territories). The party’s early political philosophy combined the Whig-style economic policies with a strong antislavery focus. At its formation, the party’s drew most of its support from the Northwest and Midwest. Many in 1856 considered the party’s stand against slavery too radical in a decade where politicians had compromised numerous times in order to avoid conflict between the North and the South. However, Republican Abraham Lincoln won the presidency in 1860 with only a minority of the popular vote (he didn’t even appear on many ballots in the South), civil war became all but a certainty. The Republicans controlled the government through the Civil War and dominated during Reconstruction; Democrats, on the other hand, became identified with the defeated South and saw their national influence greatly reduced once the war had ended. After Reconstruction, the Democrats began to rebuild their reputation and gather support, and during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Democrats forged a new identity as the party of reform. Incorporating the ideals of the Progressive Party (a “third party,” to be discussed later), Democrats pushed for better working conditions for factory workers as well as for social services for the urban poor.

15. The adopted a “Southern Strategy”
Divided Government* 1968-
Nixon elected in 1968 started a period of Republican dominance ( [expect Carter 76-80])
The adopted a “Southern Strategy”
Southern Conservatives switch to the Republican Party
Also marked the start of divided government – Congress/Executive
Both parties controlled both offices only for 12 years
The Whig Party met its demise because of the issue of expansion of slavery into the territories. Deep cracks in the party among pro- and anti-slavery factions emerged along regional lines. For the 1852 election, Whig Party leaders denied the incumbent Millard Fillmore the nomination and instead ran General Winfield Scott, thinking that another war hero could come in to save the day. He lost decisively to Democratic nominee Franklin Pierce. Within four years, the Whigs had disintegrated into several smaller parties.
The Republican Party emerged in the 1850s as a coalition of former Whigs, Northern Democrats, and “Free Soilers” (those opposed to extending slavery into the territories). The party’s early political philosophy combined the Whig-style economic policies with a strong antislavery focus. At its formation, the party’s drew most of its support from the Northwest and Midwest. Many in 1856 considered the party’s stand against slavery too radical in a decade where politicians had compromised numerous times in order to avoid conflict between the North and the South. However, Republican Abraham Lincoln won the presidency in 1860 with only a minority of the popular vote (he didn’t even appear on many ballots in the South), civil war became all but a certainty. The Republicans controlled the government through the Civil War and dominated during Reconstruction; Democrats, on the other hand, became identified with the defeated South and saw their national influence greatly reduced once the war had ended. After Reconstruction, the Democrats began to rebuild their reputation and gather support, and during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Democrats forged a new identity as the party of reform. Incorporating the ideals of the Progressive Party (a “third party,” to be discussed later), Democrats pushed for better working conditions for factory workers as well as for social services for the urban poor.

16. Politics became more partisan and less willing to compromise
Divided Government* 1968-
Politics became more partisan and less willing to compromise
Created gridlock and increased public frustration
Saw a decline in party identification and an increase in “split-ticket” voting
“Party dealignment” – disengagement of people from political parties
The Whig Party met its demise because of the issue of expansion of slavery into the territories. Deep cracks in the party among pro- and anti-slavery factions emerged along regional lines. For the 1852 election, Whig Party leaders denied the incumbent Millard Fillmore the nomination and instead ran General Winfield Scott, thinking that another war hero could come in to save the day. He lost decisively to Democratic nominee Franklin Pierce. Within four years, the Whigs had disintegrated into several smaller parties.
The Republican Party emerged in the 1850s as a coalition of former Whigs, Northern Democrats, and “Free Soilers” (those opposed to extending slavery into the territories). The party’s early political philosophy combined the Whig-style economic policies with a strong antislavery focus. At its formation, the party’s drew most of its support from the Northwest and Midwest. Many in 1856 considered the party’s stand against slavery too radical in a decade where politicians had compromised numerous times in order to avoid conflict between the North and the South. However, Republican Abraham Lincoln won the presidency in 1860 with only a minority of the popular vote (he didn’t even appear on many ballots in the South), civil war became all but a certainty. The Republicans controlled the government through the Civil War and dominated during Reconstruction; Democrats, on the other hand, became identified with the defeated South and saw their national influence greatly reduced once the war had ended. After Reconstruction, the Democrats began to rebuild their reputation and gather support, and during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Democrats forged a new identity as the party of reform. Incorporating the ideals of the Progressive Party (a “third party,” to be discussed later), Democrats pushed for better working conditions for factory workers as well as for social services for the urban poor.

17. Party Realignment and Critical Elections
Party Realignment occurs when voters change parties during an election and the change is permanent and abrupt.
These elections are called critical elections
This has occurred 4 times in American history (so far!):
Jeffersonians in 1800
Republicans (Lincoln) in 1860
Republicans (McKinley) in 1896
Democrats (FDR) in 1932

18. Secular Realignment
Secular realignment occurs when voters switch parties in a gradual way.
This refers to the slow change that occurs in some regions or groups that may or may not be noticeable
Examples:
Older voters replaced with younger voters
The formerly “Solid South” Democratic states have become more Republican
The Northeast has shifted from Republican to Democratic

19. In power currently USA Germany Liberal Democrats
Social Democrats (SPD)
Greens
Communists (PDS)
The Left
Conservative
Republicans
Christian Democrats (CDU)
Free Democrats (FPD)
53%

20. What is a Party Platform?
A formal statement of beliefs, opinions, and policy stands tied together by a set of underlying principles based on the party’s ideological orientation.

21. The Party Platform
Formulating the Party Platform is the most important and visible job that political parties contribute to in American politics
Every four years officials, activists, and the nominee for president compile the party’s position on a variety of issues
The platform is usually unveiled at the Party Convention

22. 2008 Party Platforms http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/platforms.php
Republicans 2008
“America, the Beautiful”
Defending Our Nation, Supporting Our Heroes, Securing the Peace
Reforming Government to Serve the People
Expanding Opportunity to Promote Prosperity
Energy Independence and Security; Environmental Protection
Health Care Reform: Putting Patients First
Education Means a More Competitive America
Protecting Our Families; Preserving Our Values
Democrats 2008
“Renewing America’s Promise”
Renewing the American Dream
Immediate tax relief for America’s middle class
Renewing America’s Leadership
Ending the War in Iraq/Winning in Afghanistan
Renewing the American Community
Protecting our Security and Saving our Planet
Renewing American Democracy
Open, Ethical Government

23. The Basic Structure of American Political Parties
National Level
National Committees (DNC, RNC)
The Party in Government
Leadership/Chairman
National Conventions (every 4 years - nominates president and VP)
State Level
States and Localities
Congressional districts
The Party in the Electorate
Local activists
Precincts
Grassroots groups
Informal Groups (PACs, Unions)
Voters

24. Minor (or Third) Parties
Third parties are generally niche parties that have their roots in:
A. Sectional issues
Dixiecrats
B. Economic protest
Populists protest of the late 1800’s
C. Specific issues
Green Party and the environment
D. Specific ideologies
Libertarian Party
Failures of the major parties
Ross Perot arose out of the major parties' failures to deal with the deficit and debt as key issues
Charismatic personalities
TR and the Bull Moose Party
Ross Perot in 1992
Or a combination of the above!
Green
Party
Reform
Party

25. Third Parties in a Two-Party System
Need a charismatic leader
Do better when trust in government is low
Usually form in opposition to one or both major parties
Have had great influence without ever winning the presidency
Bring attention to important public issues ignored by the major parties
Complaints about third parties:
They take votes away from major candidates with similar positions
Supporting a third-party candidate “wastes” one’s vote
Besides the two major parties, third parties have formed throughout the nation’s history. They usually come into being in the same way the Democratic-Republican, Whig, and Republican parties did: out of opposition to one (or both) of the major parties. While no third-party candidate has ever won the presidency, many third-party politicians have been elected to local, state, and (occasionally) to national office. Third parties have had great influence on American elections, sometimes forcing the major political parties to take stronger stands on issues they had previously ignored.
Third parties occasionally face accusations of causing problems with the electoral process. One such allegation is that third parties “take votes away” from one of the major parties by promoting similar issues. While it’s difficult to know why a voter chooses a candidate from a third party instead of a major party, in some cases third parties have contributed to the defeat of major-party candidates. Most third-party advocates contend that the major parties are never entitled to anyone’s vote and that people may vote freely and independently for the candidate of their choice. People often vote for third-party candidates, they say, because that candidate delivered his or her message more passionately or effectively. Another criticism of third parties claims that voting for third- party candidates “wastes” a vote because these politicians don’t have a realistic chance of winning. Some political experts counter this criticism by contending that many third-party voters likely wouldn’t have voted at all if the third party didn’t exist, and that third parties therefore can help increase participation in the political process.
Historically, the more votes a third party receives, the more the major parties pay attention to the issues that it advocates. Often a third party’s success lies in bringing the public’s attention to an issue previously ignored or deemed insignificant. Seeing a third party confront an issue and get its message across to voters, a major party may find reason to adopt the issue and make it fit to its philosophy, or else adjust its philosophy to incorporate the issue.
Third-party poster from the 1912 presidential campaign

26. Why Don’t Third Parties Win?
FYI
Third parties appear sporadically and generally not a threat to the two major parties.
In many states third parties have access restrictions to the ballot – each state is different
Only eight third parties have ever won any electoral votes in a presidential contest, and only five have ever won more than 10% in a presidential election.

27. The Importance of Third Parties
Third parties play a valuable role in American politics.
They popularize new ideas
Serve as vehicles of popular discontent
Induce change in the major parties
Assist party realignments
Allow the expression of dissent and opposition.

28. Important Third-Parties
2000 Ralph Nader and Green Party*
1992 and 1996: Ross Perot’s Reform Party* (19% in 1992 but no electoral votes!)
1968: George Wallace’s American Independent Party
1948: Dixiecrats* (Civil Rights)
1924: Robert LaFollette’s Progressive Party
1912: Teddy Roosevelt’s Bull Moose Party*
: The Populists*/Progressives
1860: The Republican Party** Not considered a third party today!
1856: Millard Fillmore's American Party

29. AP Government Unit 2 – Chap. 12
Party Organization
AP Government
Unit 2 – Chap. 12

30. The Modern Transformation of Party Organization
Republican Strengths
Until 1992, the Republicans outclassed the Democrats in most categories of campaign service and fundraising.
The Republicans have developed a particularly effective direct mail fundraising organization, and the party often has trouble legally spending all the money it collects.
The Republican Party supports a large array of activities and services including:
party staff
voter contact
polling
media advertising
campaign staff training and research

31. The Modern Transformation of Party Organization
Democratic Party Gains
The national Democratic Party remained quite weak and disorganized until it suffered massive defeats in the 1980s.
Democrats trailed Republicans in most campaign and fundraising functions until 2008 (the Obama campaign has changed this with the internet).
The Democrats now have their own direct mail program and a multi-million dollar media center for producing TV and radio spots at very low rates.
Democratic party campaign committees in Congress now raise significant amounts of money from congressional incumbents.

32. The Basic Structure of American Political Parties
National Committees—
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Republican National Committee (RNC) are the national policy organs of the parties.
They choose national chairpersons and run the quadrennial conventions.
In addition, the Senate and House parties also have committees that are located with the national committees in D.C.

33. The Basic Structure of American Political Parties
National Conventions—
Every four years, the national committees put together the presidential nominating conventions.
Until 1984, they got gavel-to-gavel coverage by media outlets.
Today, coverage is more selective.
The conventions allow parties to nominate candidates, but also to discuss party organizational matters.

34. Party Structure in the U.S.
National Committee Leadership
one committeeman and one committeewoman from each state and territory
Meets every four years
choose presidential candidate
writes the platform
designates the national committee
sets place and times of conventions
sets the number of delegates that can attend convention
National Convention
Held in presidential election year
Nominate Pres & VP ticket
Adopt platform
Major Goals:
serve as a link to people
choose policymakers
run campaigns
cue voters
tell policy
coordinate policymaking

35. The National Party Conventions
Both major parties hold their conventions during the summer of a presidential election year.
Earlier in the year, each party selects delegates by primaries, conventions, committees, etc.
Presidential conventions have come a long way since the days when delegates and party leaders would emerge from “smoke-filled rooms”, battle weary after hours of negotiating over platforms and presidential nominees.

36. The Decline of Party Conventions
Before the 1960’s, National Conventions were important events that did more than promote the candidate and party
The delegates met to promote party unity, establish the party platform, vote for a presidential nominee, and then a vice presidential nominee.
The last contested convention was the 1976 Republican Convention where Ronald Reagan challenged President Ford for the nomination
Now they are more of a Pep Rally and media event

37. The Role of the Convention Today
The “pomp and circumstance” of the party conventions persists, despite the fact that their role in selecting a ticket is largely ceremonial and for show
The “Post-Convention bump” in the polls
Generally, the conventions remain only as a way to gather momentum as the two candidates head into the post-Labor Day election season.

38. Shared Responsibilites
National Responsibility
manage party between nominating conventions
raise money
direct mail campaigns
recruit candidates
State Responsibility
hold caucuses
select convention delegates
maintain party
promote image
support campaigns

39. The Basic Structure of American Political Parties
Leadership—
The party chairpersons are usually selected by the sitting president for the party in power, and the party national committee usually selects the other national chairperson.
The chair is an important spokesperson for party interests.

40. The Basic Structure of American Political Parties
States and Localities—
Parties are structurally based at the state and local levels.
Much of the work of the party is carried out at the precinct, city, county, and state levels.
At the state level, voters are much more ideological, resulting in larger number of factional splits than at the national level.
Inter-party competition remains relatively high at the state level.

41. The Basic Structure of American Political Parties
Informal Groups—
Parties are supplemented by a number of other groups such as the National Federation of Democratic Women, the Young Republicans, State Governor's Associations, interest groups, PACs, and many more.
In addition, there are think tanks such as the Heritage Foundation for the Republicans and the Progressive Policy Institute for the Democrats.