Notes on US Political Parties

US Political Parties

The US has two major political parties, Democrats and Republicans, forming a duopoly since 1852. The electorate is roughly divided into Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.

Party Organization

Parties are organized through national, state, and county committees and congressional committees.

Party Functions

• Recruit candidates.
• Organize elections.
• Hold conventions to declare party platforms and choose nominees.
• Unite factions via a party platform.
• Ensure plurality by providing an alternative to the ruling party.

Two-Party System

A winner-take-all system leads to a two-party dominance. Advantages include stability, moderation, and ease of choice. Disadvantages include lack of choice and marginalization.

Party Platforms

Platforms include principles, goals, and strategies addressing political issues, broken down into planks.

Political Ideologies

Democrats align with liberal, and Republicans with conservative ideologies. These ideologies shape debates on government intervention.

• Conservative: Small government, minimal economic interference, private sector solutions, traditional morality.
• Democratic: Aligns with liberal ideology.
• Liberal: Government intervention in the economy, social services, no regulation of private behaviors.
• Progressive: Government addresses past wrongs and reforms systemic issues.
• Republican: Aligns with conservative ideology.

Other Ideologies and Parties

• Communitarian: Emphasizes community needs, economically liberal, socially conservative.
• Green Party: Strong federal government, grassroots democracy, social justice, environmentalism.
• Libertarian: Limited government intervention.
• Nationalist: Promotes national interests and superiority.