Chapter 9 GOVERNMENT Essay

Chapter 9 GOVERNMENT Essay Chapter 9 GOVERNMENT Essay Chapter 9 Political Parties Political Parties ­ Here and Abroad Political Party ­ a group that seeks to elect candidates to public office. A Political Party can exist as: a label organization a set of leaders In the U.S. political parties have become weaker in all 3 areas. More independents and split ticket voting Weaker since the 1960s Still strong in leader aspect USA VS. Europe Europe: Have more influence because: Candidates for elective office are usually nominated by party leaders Campaigns are run by the party and not the candidate. Once in office, the elected official is expected to vote and act together with the members of his party. USA: Federal system decentralizes power in USA Early in history decisions were made by state and local government Nat Parties at this were coalitions of local parties Political power became more centralized, parties became even more decentralized and weaker The Rise and the Decline of the Political Party The Jeffersonian Republicans The Jacksonians The Civil War and Sectionalism The Era of Reform Party Realignments Periods when a sharp, lasting shift occurs in the popular coalition one or both parties. Shift may occur at the time of the election or just after 5 Realignments so far 1800 ­ Jeffersonian 1828 ­ Jacksonian Democrats 1860 ­ Whig collapse 1896 ­ Republicans defeat William Jennings Bryan 1932 ­ FDR 2 Kinds of Realignments: Major Party is defeated that it disappears ­ new party emerges 2 existing parties continue, but voters shift their loyalty from one to another Party Decline The National Party Structure Today National Convention ­ ultimate power, meets every 4 years to nominate the presidential candidate. National Committee ­ composed of delegates from statesÍ ¾ manages affairs between conventions Congressional Campaign Committees ­ support the party’s congressional candidates. National Chairperson ­ manages daily work State and Local Parties The Machine Political Machine ­ a party organization that recruits members via tangible incentives. Ideological Parties Opposite to machine, principle is more important than winning election ­ They are contentious and factionalized. Usually 3rd parties ­