US History; Political Parties and Interest Groups

Political Parties vs. Interest Groups - Nominations

Only political parties nominate candidates for public office. Interest groups influence elections but don't nominate candidates

Political Parties vs. Interest Groups - Primary Focus

Political parties want to win elections and control government; interest groups want to influence policies and focus on issues

Political Parties vs. Interest Groups - Scope of Interests

Political parties deal with a wide range of issues; interest groups focus on specific issues

Definition of a Political Party

A group joined by common principles aiming to control government and influence policies and programs

Functions of Political Parties

Develop policy and leadership choices, nominate candidates, inform supporters, govern, and act as watchdogs

Reasons for Two-Party System in U.S.

Historical basis (British influence), force of tradition, electoral system (single-member districts), and electoral college challenges for third parties

Party Membership Patterns - Groups

Democrats: African-Americans, Jews, union members. Republicans: White males, Protestants, businesspeople

Swing Voters

Married women, youth (18–29), Hispanics, Asians, Catholics.

Factors Influencing Party Choice

Income, religion, gender, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, region, type of work, education level

Four Major Party Eras in U.S. History

Era of Democrats (1800–1860), Era of Republicans (1860–1932), Return of Democrats (1932–1968), New Era (Nixon–Present)

Characteristics of Minor (Third) Parties

Types: ideological, single-issue, economic protest, splinter. Challenges: ballot access, name recognition, fundraising, debate inclusion

Roles of Minor Parties

Spoiler role, issue advocacy, offering voter choices, acting as critics and innovators

Party Organization - Decentralization

Parties are decentralized due to federalism and separate nomination processes

National Party Machinery - Key Components

National Convention (nominate president and VP, write platform), National Committee (daily affairs), National Chairperson (leader)

Interest Groups - Definition

Organized groups aiming to influence public policy, protected by First Amendment (freedom of assembly)

Madison’s View on Interest Groups (Federalist 10)

Factions are inevitable; should be controlled by checks and balances, not abolished

Tocqueville’s View on Interest Groups

Impressed by group activity as a sign of strong democracy

Incentives for Joining Interest Groups

Material benefits, purposive reasons, solidary (social) reasons

Types of Economic Interest Groups

Business groups (NAM, Chamber of Commerce), trade associations, labor unions (AFL-CIO), professional groups (AMA, ABA, NEA)

Agricultural Interest Groups

National Grange, American Farm Bureau, National Farmers Union

Other Interest Groups Examples

ACLU, League of Women Voters, NRA, VFW, AARP, NAACP, National Council of Churches

Public Interest Groups

Work for the public good, not just members; examples: Common Cause, Public Citizen

Public-Interest Law Firms

Examples: ACLU, NAACP Legal Defense Fund (liberal) and Landmark Legal Foundation (conservative)

Think Tanks

Research organizations like Heritage Foundation (conservative) and Economic Policy Institute (liberal)

Ways Interest Groups Influence Public Opinion

Use propaganda to inform, build positive images, and promote specific policies

Iron Triangle

The strong relationship between interest groups, congressional committees, and executive agencies

Interest Groups Influence on Elections

Financial contributions, ratings and endorsements, and lobbying government officials