Topic 5 - POLS 206

What is a political party?

An organization that nominates and runs candidates for office under a party label to 1. win governmental offices and 2. enact favored policies

How do political parties differ from interest groups?

• Method - parties run candidates; interest groups lobby

• Scope - parties cover broad issues; interest groups focus narrowly

• Nature - parties are quasi-public; interest groups are private

What are the three elements of a political party?

1. party in the electorate - citizens identifying with a party

2. party in government - elected/appointed officials

3. party organization - professionals, activists, and officials

Why can’t US parties exclude citizens from primaries?

Because party primaries select nominees for general elections, making them a public function (Smith v. Allwright)

What are the three main functions of political parties in a democracy?

• Aggregate interests into broad coalitions.

• Simplify alternatives for voters.

• Stimulate political participation.

How do parties simplify choices for voters?

They narrow candidates to one nominee per major party, giving voters clear options.

How do parties stimulate participation?

They mobilize voters and raise interest in public affairs.

What challenges exist for political participation today?

Misinformation, disinformation, and voter suppression laws.

How do parties serve as agents of accountability?

What are the main types of party systems?

• One-party system – one dominant party (e.g., PRI in Mexico).

• Two-party system – two major parties dominate (e.g., U.S.).

• Multi-party system – three or more parties share power (common in Europe).

Why does the U.S. have only two major parties?

• Historical divisions (Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists).

• Consensus on liberal values.

• Winner-take-all electoral rules (Duverger’s Law).

• Political socialization (90% identify as D or R).

What is Duverger’s Law?

Winner-take-all electoral systems tend to produce two-party systems.

What are the effects of minor parties in U.S. politics?

• Policy innovation – major parties adopt popular minor-party ideas.

• Spoiler effect – can split the vote, causing the weaker major party to win.

Give examples of “spoiler” elections.

• 1912: Roosevelt’s Progressive Party → split Republicans, Wilson won.

• 2000: Nader’s Green Party votes exceeded Bush’s margin in FL.

• 2016: Green Party votes > Trump’s margin in MI, WI, PA.

What is the Responsible Party Government model?

A system (e.g., UK) with cohesive parties, disciplined members, unified platforms, and clear accountability to voters.

Why don’t U.S. parties fit this model?

• Ideological diversity.

• Weak party cohesion.

• Candidates chosen by primaries, not party leaders.

• Separation of powers and federalism weaken control.

• Divided government is common.

What are the three ways to measure party strength?

• Party in the electorate – identification and straight-ticket voting.

• Party in government – divided government and party voting in Congress.

• Party organization – strength of formal structures.

How is party identification measured?

7-point scale from Strong Democrat to Strong Republican (SD → SR).
More strong partisans = stronger partisanship.

What is straight-ticket voting?

Voting for the same party’s candidates across multiple offices.

What trend has been seen in party identification?

Declined mid-20th century; rebounded since the 1980s.

How do independents who “lean” toward a party behave?

They vote like weak partisans.

What is divided government?

When one party controls the presidency and another controls Congress.

What is a “party vote” in Congress?

A vote where most of one party opposes most of the other party.

What trends exist in party voting in Congress?

Low in 1950s–1970s (anomaly); increased since the 1980s.

What were political machines?

Strong 19th-century party organizations led by “bosses,” using patronage and control over nominations.

How were machines weakened?

Reforms—merit system, direct primaries, and secret ballot.

How have modern party organizations adapted?

• More professionalized.

• Recruit and support candidates.

• Coordinate across levels of government.