Political_Groups-_Political_Parties_Intro_and_History_Notes.pptx

Political Parties Overview

• Political Party: A group of men and women aiming to control the government by winning elections.

Characteristics of Political Parties

• Characteristics:

  • Organize candidates to run for office.

  • Mobilize voters and build electoral coalitions.

  • Develop and articulate policy positions.

Political Systems

• Types of Political Systems:

  • Pluralist System: Multiple parties compete, but only one can win (winner-take-all).

  • Proportional Representation: Votes correspond to representation in the legislature.

Why Two Parties?

• Consensus of Values: Most Americans share common beliefs, limiting radical parties.

• Historical Influence: Originating from Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists.

• Winner-Take-All System: Makes it tough for third parties to compete effectively in elections.

Proportional Representation vs. Plurality

• Proportional Representation: Allocates legislative seats based on percentage of votes received, allowing for greater representation of multiple parties.

Voter Ballot Example

• Voting Structure: District vote focuses on individual candidates; party vote determines overall party representation in Congress.

Party Representation

• Three Ways Parties Are Represented:

  • Party in the Electorate: Individuals identifying with a party.

  • Party as Organization: Structures at state and local levels with official headquarters.

  • Party in Government: Elected officials identified by party but may differ in policy.

Linkage Institutions

• Role: Political parties serve as linkage institutions that translate the concerns of the people into the political agenda.

• Other Examples: Interest groups, elections, media.

Party Tasks

• Key Functions:

  • Candidate Selection for elections.

  • Campaign Management.

  • Providing cues to voters about candidates and policies.

  • Articulating a party’s platform.

  • Coordinating policymaking between government branches.

Downs Model

• Rational Choice Theory: Suggests voters (and politicians) make decisions in their self-interest.

• Parties Will Succeed: According to Downs, parties that adopt widely favored policies will gain support, highlighting centrist policies.

Party Image and Identification

• Party Image: Public perception of what parties stand for.

• Party Identification: An individual’s self-identified preference for a political party.

Trends in Party Identification

• Youth Trend: Younger generations are leaning more towards identifying as independents, often engaging in ticket splitting (voting for different parties in different elections).

Party Organization

• Local Organization: Historically involved “party machines” using patronage for votes (e.g., Chicago, NYC).

• State Organization: Manages primaries; facilitates straight-ticket voting on ballots.

• National Organization: Oversees national conventions, committee, and develops the party platform.

Understanding Party Views

• Comparative Analysis: Students are tasked with understanding and comparing the views of Democrats and Republicans on various issues, beyond a simple 'for' or 'against' stance.

Political Party History

• Research Task: Investigate and summarize specific time periods in American political history, focusing on key events, leaders, and party shifts.

Key Terms**

• Realignment: Shift in political power, often following a critical election, leading to a majority-party displacement.

• Dealignment: Gradual decline in party affiliation among citizens.

• Critical Election: A pivotal election that results in a significant change in party control or coalitions, often informed by a national crisis.