{Chapter 18

Political Parties

Functions of Political Parties

Assisting the Electoral Process- • Help Citizens with the voting process.• Distribute information• Encourage people to register to vote

• Provide a broad political stance on major issues.

• Act as a watchdog over policies made by elected officials.

Functions of Political Parties

Organizing the Government • Party members often fill positions in the

executive branch.

Nominating Candidates• Support candidates who represent the

party as whole. • Reduces the size of candidates to a

manageable size.

Types of Party SystemsOne- Party systems

• Only one party is allowed to participate

in the government

• Or the power in party makes it difficult

for an opposing party to gain control.

Two-Party Systems

• Two major political parties that hold all the power.

• Other parties exist but, rarely win elections

• Least common system around the world.

Types of Party Systems

Types of Party Systems

Multi-Party Systems

• Three or more political parties share power.

• Most European countries, and many others countries around the world have multi-party systems.

History of the U.S. Political Parties

• No political parties in the constitution!

• 1st split:• Federalist- favored ratification of the

constitution.

• Antifederalist- opposed ratification.

History of the U.S. Political Parties

• Democratic Republicans established control of the government

• By 1824 the federalist party ceased to exist

• The democratic party split into two factions• Democrats: “Government is best that

governs least.” • Whigs: Supported an active role for

government

History of the U.S. Political Parties

• Tensions from the North and South over slavery made it impossible for the party system to work.

• The Whig party ended and a new party

formed called the Republican party.

• Antislavery Whigs and antislavery democrats joined the republican party.

History of the U.S. Political Parties

Democrats • also tried to help the poor but, had never

endorsed government action or spending for the poor.

• Shift towards larger government.

Republicans• Republicans began shift towards smaller

government. • Wanted less government involvement

especially in financial situations ( like tariffs).

FDR’s New Deal completed the reversal of the two parties traditional roles.

History of the U.S. Political Parties

Third Parties and Independents

• Third party is any political party besides the two dominate parties.

• No third party candidate has every won however, they can affect elections.

• An independent candidate is one not associated with any party.

Other Parties

Splinter parties• People who feel that their party has

failed to address an issue.

Ideological parties• Group whose basic political views

differ from that of the majority of the population.• Exs: Socialist party

Party OrganizationLocal Parties:• Highly organized• Party Machines• Held lots of power• Patronage- Promised political

favors in exchange for support.

Party OrganizationLocal Party corruption: • Local parties print their own

ballots• Forced a straight ticket vote:

voting for candidates from only one party.

• “Vote Early, and vote often.”• Kickbacks

Party OrganizationLocal party reform:• Progressive era: Reforms led to

state legislation and cut back power of local parties.

1. New ballot system- government printed• Allowed a split ticket vote: or to

vote for candidates from different parties.

2. Voter Registration- only one vote! 3. Lowered number of patronage

jobs.

Party Organization

States also passed laws determining how parties selected candidates.

Primary elections- when parties nominate their candidates for office.

General elections- when voters actually chose their elected officials.

Party OrganizationLocal parties today:• For the most part replaced by state

and national organizations. • Precincts- districts that cities,

towns, and counties, are divided into.

• Several precincts make up a ward. • Local parties are overseen by the

state.

State Parties

Early parties- little authority, often in someone's home

Today- • Much larger, gain funds from

national parties (subject to national rules and requests)

• Run voter registering campaigns

• Endorse state candidates,

National Parties

Early: Negotiated with competing parties and nominated presidential candidates.

Today: Democratic and national parties have headquarters, TV studios, and schools. Use polling and media to help their candidates. Raise millions in funds.

Political Parties and the public good

Criticisms of political parties:

• Support decisions that only

support their party not the

public good.

• Won’t agree with the other

party on pure politics.

Political Parties

Benefits of the two- party system:

• Provide a brand name

• Include many interests to gain

support.

• Discourage sudden shifts

• Encourage political participation.