copyright © 2014 cengage learning political parties chapter eight

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

POLITICAL PARTIES

Chapter Eight

Copyright © 2014 Cengage LearningCopyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Learning Outcomes

1. Define the concept of a political party and explain how political parties participate in the political system.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of how the political parties originated in the United States and how their strength has increased or decreased over time.

3. Explain the major differences in the demographics of the supporters of Republicans and Democrats and discuss how the party positions differ on issues.

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Learning Outcomes

4. Identify the three major components of the political party and explain why these components are not necessarily consistent with each other.

5. Explain the factors in the American political system that reinforce a two-party system and discuss why minor or third parties are rarely successful.

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What Is a Political Party?

Group of political activists who organize to: Win elections Operate the government Determine public policy

Factions: subgroups trying to obtain power or benefits No permanent organization

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Political PartiesRun government

Select candidates

Multiple issues (party platform)

Tends to blur issues

Interest GroupsInfluence government

Support candidates

Often a single issue

Tends to sharpen issues


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Tea Party Rally6



Functions Recruit candidates Organize and run elections Present alternatives to electorate Responsibility for operating government Provide organized opposition

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A History of Political Parties in the United States

Two-party system since 1800 Shaped by unique historical forces Emergence linked to form of government created

by Constitution

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Major periods: Creation of parties (1789 to 1816) Personal politics, one-party rule (1816 to 1828) Jacksonian to pre-Civil War (1828 to 1860) Civil War and post Civil War (1860 to 1896) Progressive era (1896 to 1932) New Deal era (1932 to 1968) Modern period (1968 to the present)

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The Formative Years: Federalists/Anti-Federalists Partisan politics Two parties emerge


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Era of Good Feelings James Monroe administration (1817-1825) Competition between Republican candidates Era of personal politics

Democrats and Whigs Two-party politics returns Jackson/Democratic party (1828): common man Whigs (Republican faction): active federal

government

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Civil War crisis and post-Civil War period Divided by slavery issue Northern Whigs unite with antislavery Democrats

to form modern Republican Party After war, Democrats dominate the South

“Rum, Romanism and rebellion” Populism

Triumph of the Republicans

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The 1896 Presidential Election13



Progressive Interlude (1896-1932) Political reform due to economic pressures Republican Party temporarily splits Democratic progressive Wilson elected

Democratic Party changes No longer party of limited government

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New Deal Era Major Democratic intervention in economy Democrats gain African American support FDR forms broad political coalition Democrats mostly dominate until 1968

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Era of Divided Government Social issues gain in importance Civil rights/Vietnam change alliances Neither party dominates Era of shifting majorities Red States vs. Blue States

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Partisanship trends in 2012 elections

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The Presidential Elections of 201218


The Two Major Parties Today

The parties’ core constituents Economic beliefs

Recent economic convergence?

Cultural politics Democrats: social programs and increased

government intervention in economy Republicans: private marketplace, limited

government and self-reliance Regional factors

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The Two Major Parties Today

2012 elections: economic and social values

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Republican Issues and Democratic Issues, 2008 and 2012

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The Three Faces of a Party

1. Party-in-the-electorate All individuals claiming attachment Do not need to formally participate

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Three Faces of a Party

2. Party organization (structural framework) National

Convention delegates National Committee National Chairperson

State party organization Local (grassroots) organization

Patronage and city machines Local party organizations

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3. Party-in-government Elected officials and appointed officials

Role of partisanship Divided government increasing Party unity limited Party polarization

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National Party Conventions

Democratic Convention Republican Convention


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The state party organization More than 100 state party organizations State central committee and chairperson

Local party machinery: the grassroots District leaders, precinct/ward captains, party

workers Patronage and city machines Local party organizations still powerful

Factions

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Convention Delegates and Voters: How Did They Compare on the Issues in 2008?

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Why Has the Two-Party System Endured?

Historical foundations Political socialization and practical considerations Winner-take-all electoral system

Presidential voting (electoral college) Proportional representation

State and federal laws favor the two-party system Ruling parties work to remain in control Party organization limited for independents

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The Role of Minor Parties in U.S. Politics

Third parties Formed from scratch by

those committed to issue or ideology

Major party split Form around charismatic

leader

Often barometers of change


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Ideological third parties Members regard themselves as outsiders Do look for immediate electoral success

Splinter parties/factions Split from major parties

Bull Moose Progressive Party Reform Party

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Impact of minor parties Influencing the major parties Affecting the outcome of an election

Spoiler in 2000 elections? But should voters ignore third parties?

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The Most Successful Third-Party Presidential Campaigns since 1864

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Mechanisms of Political Change

Realignment (voters switch party allegiance) Myth of dominance Myth of predictability Realignment still possible?

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Dealignment (decline in party loyalties) Independent voters

Decline in straight ticket voting Not-so-independent voters

Tipping Often due to immigration

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Party Identification from 1937 to Present35



On to the future Both parties striving for dominance Republicans hope to gain votes on basis of

cultural and economic conservatism Democrats looking to attract youth, female and

Latino voters Impact of moderates and independents

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copyright © 2014 cengage learning political parties chapter eight

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