question 2

hook

assertion that “modern democracy is unthinkable save in terms of parties” captures the essential role political parties play in organizing democratic politics

thesis

parties are central to politics given their structure and use as tools to candidates

roadmap

explore how parties help elected officials, candidates, and voters

II: values of political parties to leaders

organizing government, coalition building, accountability/governance

organizing government,

parties structure legislatures, majority party serves major role in agenda-setting

coalition building

help coordinate policy positions/voting among diverse groups, promotes unity around platforms and goals

accountability/governance

voters can hold a group of officials accountable not individuals

III: value of political parties to candidates

branding, resources/support, strategic coordination

branding

party label is a shortcut for voters about candidates values/policies

resources/support

parties fund, staff, train, and assemble voter data; legitimizes candidate

strategic coordination

inhibits vote splitting

IV: value of parties to voters

party identification, cognitive shortcut in voting

party identification

psychological attachment to a political party, formed early and stable over time

cognitive shortcut in voting

helps voters to make informed choices without having to research issues/candidates