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Functions of Political Parties • Political parties are an integral part of the American democratic system. • Parties bring key issues to public attention and involve people in the political process. • Political parties help the government operate smoothly, and they dispense political patronage. • The winning party implements its key policy initiatives, and the losing party is a “watchdog.” • Parties contribute to political stability. Party Systems • One-party systems are usually found in nations with authoritarian governments. • Minor parties exist in two-party systems, but two major political parties compete for power. • In multi-party systems, several parties often combine forces in a coalition government. Evolution of American Parties • Opposing political parties had organized before the end of President Washington’s second term. • The Federalists and the DemocraticRepublicans disagreed over federal versus state power. • The Democratic-Republican party split into the Democrats and the Whigs. • In the 1850s, a new Republican Party opposed the spread of slavery. • Following the Civil War, the two dominant parties were Republican and Democrat. Minor or Third Parties • Third parties have been on the American political scene since the early days of the Republic. • A third party generally forms as a single-issue party, an ideological party, or a splinter party. • Minor parties have influenced the outcome of national elections. • As a result of the two-party tradition, third parties face a number of obstacles. Political Ideology • People with a liberal ideology are more willing to trade economic freedom for greater equality. • People with a conservative ideology tend to believe the role of government should be limited. • Most people are moderates, falling somewhere in between liberal and conservative. • Currently, the Democratic Party is more liberal and the Republican Party more conservative. Party Platforms • Both the Democratic and Republican Party agree on a number of foundational beliefs and values. • The Republican Party supports the rights of individuals as opposed to large government. • The Democratic Party supports governmental involvement in many areas. • The Green Party is more liberal and the Constitution Party more conservative. • The Libertarian Party supports personal responsibility and minimal government. Party Identification • Party identification is a state of mind; voting is a behavior. • The Republican Party tends to attract white, male, educated, and religious people. • The Democratic Party tends to attract women, minorities, and young people. • The Democratic Party tends to be stronger in the Northeast and in cities. • The Republican Party tends to be stronger in the suburbs, South, mountain West, and rural areas. Political Party Polarization • The two political parties have become more polarized and ideologically homogenous. • Both parties now tend to nominate ideological, rather than centrist, candidates. • Conservative “Tea Party” organizations helped shift Republican Party ideology to the right. • This more extreme party membership leads to increased political gridlock. Party Organization and Membership • Each party needs strong leadership and good organization at all levels. • At each level, the party endorses and works for the election of its candidates. • Fundraising is a key function of state and national parties. • Generally, citizens join a political party when they register to vote or vote in certain elections. • Party membership provides a way for citizens to increase their influence on government. Selecting Candidates to Represent the Party • A vital function of political parties is to nominate candidates for elected office. • To get onto the ballot, a candidate must file by fee or by petition. • Candidates are chosen by caucuses, primaries, or conventions. • Rules for presidential primaries vary among the states and even within many states. • Primaries are a long, costly process and states with late primaries may receive less attention. National Party Conventions • Every four years, delegates for each major party select a ticket for the November election. • Many delegates are pledged to a candidate, but others are uncommitted. • Delegates to the convention debate the various planks before adopting the party’s platform. • Delegates vote state by state, but there is rarely a mystery about who will be nominated. • The party’s presidential nominee is usually the one who selects the vicepresidential candidate.