Section 1Development of Parties

A political party is a group of people with broad common interests who organize to win elections and to control and influence governments and their policies.

There are three types of party systems:

1. One-party system – the party, in effect, is the government. Usually found in authoritarian governments.

2. Multiparty system – several political parties compete to control the government and must often form coalitions to do so.

3. Two-party system – two major parties dominate the government.

What problems do political parties face in a multiparty system?

Although many of the Founders distrusted factions, by the end of President Washington’s second term, two political parties had all ready formed.

The first political parties in the United States were the Federalists and Anti-federalists. Their leaders were John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, respectively.

The Anti-federalists become the Democratic Republicans control the government through the 1820’s. In 1828, President Andrew Jackson re-aligned the party renaming it the Democratic Party.

Ono the even of the Civil War, the Republican Party was born. After the war, it dominated the national scene with the Democrats as the minority party.

During t he Great depression, the Democratic Party gained power and remained the majority party for most of the next 50 years.

The Republican Party gained the presidency in 1968 with the election of Richard Nixon. Republicans would maintain control the White House through 2009. The only exceptions are from 1977 – 1981 when Jimmy Carter was president and from 1992 – 2000 when Bill Clinton and the Democrats had control of the White House.

Third Parties have been part of the American political scene since the early years of the Republic.

All third parties have on thing in common: They do not believe the two major parties are meeting certain national needs.

In general, third parties fall into one of three categories:•The single-issue party•The ideological party•The splinter party

Occasionally, third parties influenced the outcome of national elections by drawing enough votes to tip the balance to one of the majority parties.

Third parties face three major obstacles:1. It is difficult for them to get on

the ballot.2. Most voters support the major

parties.3. Raising campaign funds is

difficult.

What are some of the reasons for and against voting for third party candidates?

Section 2Party Organization

Both Republicans and Democrats are organized into 50 state parties and thousands of local parties, as well as a national party.

Voters may become members of a party when they register to vote.

Usually voters join the party whose ideas and candidates they support.

Party membership involves no duties or obligations beyond voting. Some members do, however, volunteer and/or give monetary donations.

The county level is the one in which the party is most united. However, counties are the weakest link in the parties organizational structure.

The state central committee is the most important part of t he party in the state. It helps elect the parties candidates to state offices.

The national convention and the national committee are the two main parts of the party’s national organization.

The national party chairperson, elected by the national committee, manages the daily operations of the national party.

What are some reason for becoming an active member of a political party?

Political parties recruit candidates to run for office. Both parties are candidate-oriented rather than issue-oriented.

Political parties bring important issues to the attention of the public, and publish the party’s position on these issues.

Personal attacks against the opposing candidates sometimes obscure the issues.

Parties dispense patronage in the form of jobs, contracts and appointments to government positions to loyal and contributing members.

The party out of power assumes the role of political “watchdog” over the government.

Because parties need to draw support from many different and sometimes conflicting groups, parties encourage compromise and adopt moderate policies with mass appeal.

Do political parties fulfill their commitment to educating the public about issues and platform topics?

Section 3Nominating Candidates

Caucus – used very early in our nations history. Became unpopular because the people had no say. States that still use caucuses today must be open to all voters.

Direct primary – the method used by most parties today to nominate candidates. Two methods:•Closed Primary – only party members are allowed to vote.

•Open Primary – and registered voter may participate.

Do you favor open or closed primary elections? Explain why.

Primary elections run according to state law and are held at regular polling places. These elections are used to select a parties candidate for offices such as governor, state senators, and other various state and local offices.

A person who wishes to run for an office can file a petition to be added to the ballot in the general election. However, the major parties has an advantage because of the backing of the party.

What type of advantages does the endorsed party candidate receive?

Every four years, each major party holds a nominating convention to choose candidates for president and vice president in the November general election.

Prior to 1824, party leaders secretly chose who would be the candidate for President of the United States.

Since 1832, a convention of party members has chosen the presidential candidates.

Since the 1970’s primary elections have given all voters a say in choosing the parties ticket for president and vice president.

Criticisms of presidential primaries include:• The process extends over too long a period.• Primaries focus on the image of a

candidate, not the issues.• Few people vote in primaries. Therefore,

the winner may not be as popular as thought.

• Primaries often result in one-sided conventions that become media showcases.

Do presidential primaries serve as a good way to narrow down the candidates for President of the United States?

Each party’s national committee chooses the site and date of the convention.• Dem – Denver, CO• Rep – Minneapolis/St.

Paul, MN The convention is

held in the late summer, (Aug or Sept).

Many of the delegates who assemble at the convention are already pledged to a candidate, however some are not.

Each parties rules committee governs how the convention will be run.

The credentials committee must approve the delegations from each state and territory.

The platform committee is assigned the important task of writing the party’s platform – a statement of its principles, beliefs, and positions on vital issues.

On one of the evenings of the convention, usually the third evening, an important party member gives the keynote address. This is a speech intended to united the party for the coming campaign.

After the keynote address, the convention delegates vote for the vice presidential nominee.

The VP nominee is chosen to balance the ticket, with a person who has a personal. Political, or geographic background different then the presidential candidate.

Once the VP candidate is formally chosen, he or she comes out and makes a speech to the delegates and the nation watching at home.

The highlight of the convention is the selection of the parties candidate for president. In recent years, the nominee has been determined because of committed delegates earned in the primary’s and caucuses. However, in 2008, the Democratic Presidential nominee was determined by super delegates.

Just like the VP nominating process, once the candidate is official, they will come on the stage and deliver their acceptance speech to the delegates and news media.

Since primary elections usually narrow down the field to one candidate in each party, should the media continue to have gavel to gavel coverage or just broadcast the highlights?