Unit 5.3 - Political Parties (Perusall Reading)

What is a linkage institution?

They are channels that connect people with the government. A phenomenal example is political parties!

What is the purpose of linkage institutions?

They keep people informed and try to shape public opinion and policy.

What are some examples of linkage institutions?

political parties, the media, elections, interest groups.

What do some political parties do to gain support or followers?

They contact citizens via mail, phone, email, text message, social media, or at the door.

Some people will also advocate in neighborhoods closer to election day, offering to drive people to the polls to make it easier on them.

How does a party express its primary ideology?

They do this through their platform, which is a written list of beliefs and political goals.

What is a national convention?

It’s a huge gathering of party leaders where they outline their mission and platform.

How do political parties determine who will run as a majority candidate? After they have a few potential candidates then what?

They will usualyl look in “safe” districts where they find energetic, telegenic, and scandal-free candidates with good resumes and a talen for fundraising.

After finding many people, they will usually debate against each other to allow voters to get a sense of each candidate’s ideas.

What is the national chairperson?

They are the chief strategist and spokesperson for a political party. They manage the party's operations, fundraising efforts, and election campaigns.