1. Political Parties
Chapter 7

2. The Meaning of Party Political Party:
A “team of men [and women] seeking to control the government by gaining office in a duly constituted election.”
Parties can be thought of in three parts:
Party in the electorate
Party as an organization
Party in government

3. 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

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.
Parties Pick Candidates
Parties Run Campaigns
Parties Give Cues to Voters
Parties Articulate Policies
Parties Coordinate Policymaking

5. The Party in the Electorate: Voters
Party identification is a citizen’s self-proclaimed preference for one party or the other.
We are not “card carrying” party members in the U.S. and we do not pay dues to parties.
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.

6. The Party in the Electorate

7. The Party Organizations: From the Grass Roots to Washington
These are the people that work for the party.
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.
“Chicago party machine” was a famous example in the 1960’s
Now urban party organizations are generally weak.
County organizations have partially filled the void.

8. The Party Organizations: From the Grass Roots to Washington
The 50 State Party Systems
State party organizations are on an upswing in terms of headquarters and budgets.
State primary 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.

10. The Party in Government: Promises and Policy
These are the party members actually elected to government.
Candidates are less dependent on parties to get elected today, but they still need help.
Coalition:
A group of individuals with a common interest upon which every political party depends.
Parties & politicians generally do what they say they will do.

11. Party Eras in American History
Historical periods in which a majority of votes cling to the party in power.
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.

12. Party Eras in American History
: The First Party System
Madison warned of “factions”
First parties were the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans
: Jackson and the Democrats Versus the Whigs
Modern party founded by Jackson
Whigs formed mainly in opposition to Democrats

13. Party Eras in American History
: The Two Republican Eras
Republicans rose as the antislavery party
1896 election revolved around the gold standard
: The New Deal Coalition
Forged by the Democrats - relied upon urban working class, ethnic groups, Catholics and Jews, the poor, Southerners

14. Party Eras in American History
Party Coalitions Today (Figure 8.2)

15. 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
Even with one-party rule since 2008, it won’t be an “era” unless it lasts for several election cycles.

16. Party Eras in American History
Partisan Control of State Governments: 2005 (Figure 8.3)

17. Reasons Why We Maintain a Two-Party System
Ideological consensus
Electoral System
Single-member districts
A vote for a minor party seen as a wasted vote
Election laws (made by state legislators who are mostly either Democrats or Republicans)
Historical Basis
Tradition

18. Third Parties or Minor Parties
Political parties other than Democrat or Republican
Rarely win elections
Third parties bring new groups and ideas into politics
Find it easier to take a stand on controversial issues.
Innovators
Play the “spoiler” role

19. Types of Third Parties Ideological Single-Issue Economic Protest
Libertarian, Socialist, Green
Single-Issue
“Right to Life Party” “Pot Party” Usually fade quickly
Economic Protest
“Populist Party” “American Taxpayers Party”
Splinter
Bull Moose; Reform Party

20. 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.

21. 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

22. 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