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Political Parties . What They DO. What is a party?. Political party: group of persons who seek to control government through the winning of elections and the holding of public office. Major parties: Democrat and Republican, in American politics
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Political Parties What They DO
What is a party? • Political party: group of persons who seek to control government through the winning of elections and the holding of public office. • Major parties: Democrat and Republican, in American politics • Our parties are election oriented, not issue oriented
What do they do? • Represent the people • Medium between the governed and those who govern • Will of the people is displayed through parties • “Power brokers” • Bring about conflict and eventually compromise • Meant to bring us together • Parties perform 5 major functions
Nominating Candidates • Party finds and nominates candidates • Work to win the election through the party • Rally voters, raise funds • Parties offer best solution to finding and nominating candidates
Informing and Activating Supporters • Parties inform people • Get people involved based on their desires • News media and interests groups also do this • Inspiring voters • Have candidate take stand on issue • Attack other candidates views • Present candidate in best way possible • Win election • Ultimate goal
Bonding Agent Function • Bond • Insurance agreement protecting a person or business against loss caused by a third party • Political parties are bonding agents that ensure the good performance of its candidates • Select qualified candidates • Perform well in office • They want their party to remain in power
Governing • US is governed by parties • Candidates selected and elected by party • Congress organized by party lines • Partisanship: firm allegiance to a political party is the basis for government action • Executive and Legislative branches • Must work together to accomplish anything • Political parties offer that channel for progress
Acting as Watchdog • Party in power • Party that controls the executive branch • Criticized by the party out of power (watchdog) • Criticism fuels voters interests and desire • Keeps party in power on best behavior