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Parties

Parties. The Backbone of American Politics. Functions of Parties. How many functions of political parties can you name?. Answers. Nominate candidates Expansion of primaries has decreased this function somewhat; Candidate centered, not party centered; Register voters Raise and spend funds

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Parties

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  1. Parties The Backbone of American Politics

  2. Functions of Parties • How many functions of political parties can you name?

  3. Answers. . . • Nominate candidates • Expansion of primaries has decreased this function somewhat; Candidate centered, not party centered; • Register voters • Raise and spend funds • Simplify decisions for voters • Act as moderating influence • Reduce diffusion of power • Unify diverse interests • Linking mechanism between people and gov’t

  4. Rise of Parties • Fed 10—dangers of parties • Still, had to be created in order to get things done • Historical development • 1796—1824: Federalists vs. Jeff Dem/Rep • 1822—1856: Jacksonian Dem vs. Whigs • 1860—1892: Republican Dominance • 1896—1928: Republican Dominance • 1932—1964: Democratic Dominance • 1968—Present: Divided Government

  5. Rise of Parties • Recently, divided government is typical. The usual pattern has been Republican Presidents and Democratic Congresses. • Clinton was just the opposite—especially 2nd term.

  6. Third parties • Not factors • Obstacles • Two party tradition • Single member-winter take all system for Congressional seats and Electoral College • Getting candidates on the ballot • Money and media coverage

  7. Activity. • Please list as many weakness of political parties as you can.

  8. Party Weaknesses • Lack strong rank and file • Increased numbers of Independents • Not responsive enough to social reform • Parties have lost many of their traditional functions / weakened • See nomination of candidates • Weak party discipline

  9. Party Weaknesses • Decentralized • Each organized along the federal model • Nat’l conv Nat’l ctme State ctme Local ctme • Neither national committee has clout over state / local committees.

  10. Impact on Government • Congress • Majority party • Controls committees, chairmen of committees • Controls key leadership positions • Staffers are partisan • Executive • “Partisan” Appointments • Judicial • “Partisan” Appointments

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