Political Parties

Historical Development

• Federalists v. Democratic-Republicans (1788-1824)

• Democrats v. Whigs (1828-1852)

• Democrats v. Republicans (1856-1892)

• Era of Republican Dominance (1896-1932)

• Era of Democratic Dominance (1932-1994)

Era of DIVIDED government?

The two-party system has dominated the American political landscape because:

•Electoral System: winner take all

•Elections—money

•Political Culture/Habit

•Catch-All Nature/Centrist Ideology of•US Parties

•During the last half-century, the Democrats have been known as the party of the working class and of racial and ethnic minorities.

•During the last half-century, the Republicans have been known as the party of business and known for having an ethic of self-reliance.

•Republicans have emphasized the importance of the marketplace and less emphasis on social programs.

•Democrats have emphasized social welfare and protection of senior’s benefits.

Fig. 8-5 Party Identification: 1937-Present

What is a Political Party?– Definition: a group of political activists who organize to win

elections, to operate the government, and to determine public policy.

• Parties versus interest groups

– Functions of parties

• Recruiting candidates to run for elective offices at all levels of government

• Mobilize citizens to vote and participate in elections

• Bear the responsibility of operating government at all levels

• Providing organized opposition to the party in power is an essential role for a party that does not control one or another branch of the government. History of Political Parties

Kinds of parties (other than mainstream)

1. The ideological parties are those based on a particular set of beliefs, a comprehensive view of social, economic, and political matters. The Communist and Libertarian parties are examples of ideological parties. Although they have not won many election, they have been long-lived.

2. Single-issue parties are those concentrating on a single public policy matter. Other parties, like the "Know-Nothings" of the 1850s and the Right-to-Life party today, focus on single issues.

3. The economic protest parties were those parties rooted in periods of economic discontent, for example, the Greenback and Populist parties of the late 1800s.

4. The splinter parties were those that broke off from one of the two major parties. For example, the "Bull Moose" party of 1912 and the Dixiecrats" of 1948. Amazing as it may seem, most of the important minor parties in the nation's history have been splinter parties.

The Three Faces of a Party

1-The people who identify with the party or who regularly vote for the candidates of the party in general elections

2-Party organization•National

–Convention delegates–National Committee–National Chairperson

Three Faces of a Party (cont.)

•State party organization•Local (grass roots) organization

– Patronage and City Machines– Local Party Organizations Today

3-The Party in Government• Divided Government• The Limits of Party Unity• Party Polarization

The Role of Minor Parties in U.S. Politics

– Ideological Third Parties– Splinter Parties– The Impact of Minor Parties

•Influencing the Major Parties•Affecting the Outcome of an Election

The Most Successful Third Party Campaigns Since

1864

Many political scientists contend that third parties have acted as barometers of changes in the political mood.

Third parties have influenced American politics by getting their policies adopted by a major party & determining whether the Republicans or Democrats win an election.

The following are arguments in favor of voting for a third-party candidate who represents one's views:•it is a way to bring new ideas into the national debate.•the beliefs of the major-party candidates may be a long way from your own.not all elections are close, and it is better to express your beliefs than to vote for a sure winner or loser.•it can be satisfying to be right, even if you lose.

Functions of Parties

• Recruit candidates

• Nominate candidates

• Mobilize voters• Contest elections

• Form governments

• Coordinate policy across independent units of government

• Provide accountability

Election 1896

Election 2000

Election 2004

Fig. 8-4 Republican Issues and Democratic Issues

Responsible Party Mode?

• Parties present clear and coherent programs to

voters.

• Voters should choose candidates according to

these programs.

• Winning party should carry out program in office.

• Voters should hold the government responsible at

the next election for executing that program

PROBLEM: Rarely works that way!!