Civics & Economics Goal 4 Organization of Political Parties

1. Civics & Economics Goal 4 Organization of Political Parties

2. Organization • The two major parties are organized at the local, state, and national levels; they are loosely tied together but have roughly the same political beliefs

3. National Organization • Each party has a national committee made up of representatives from every state • It helps raise funds for presidential elections and organizes the party’s national convention

4. National Organization • A national party chairperson runs the committee; their job is to manage the office, direct committee staff, and lead fundraising efforts

5. National Party Convention • The national convention is held once every four years; it is where party members nominate their candidates for president and VP of the US

6. National Organization • Each party chooses delegates through a combination of presidential primary elections and caucuses, or meetings of state and local party organizations • Delegates’ first job is to write the platform; after it has been approved they nominate the party’s presidential candidate • Major parties also have campaign committees made up of members of Congress; they work to elect party members and raise money

7. State and Local Organization • Each major party has 50 state committees or organizations; they focus on electing party candidates to state and national offices • Each city or county is divided into election districts or precincts, a geographic area that contains a specific number of voters

8. State and Local Organization • All voters in a precinct cast their ballots at the same voting place; each precinct has a precinct captain, whose job is to organize other party members during campaigns and encourage voters on Election Day

9. State and Local Organization • Several geographically connected precincts make up a larger election unit called a ward

10. County Committees • Counties are the largest political units within a state; both parties have county committees • A county chairperson runs the committee and has a great deal of political power in the county

11. County Committees • If it is a large county state party leaders such as the Governor or a US Senator may consult them about important appointments such as judgeships • Precinct and ward leaders build the party at the “grassroots” or neighborhood level; they “deliver the vote” for party candidates at every level

12. Political Machines • A political machine is a strong party organization that can control political appointments and deliver votes • One of the most famous was New York City’s Tammany Hall ruled by “Boss” Tweed, he and his friends grew rich off of bribes and kickbacks

13. Political Machines • Political machines provided needy citizens with jobs, food, fuel, and help with medical care in return for votes • Today political machines are viewed as harmful; political leaders are less accountable to citizens when they do not have to worry about getting reelected

14. Joining a Political Party • You do not need to join a political party to vote but they offer a great way for citizens to get involved in politics • Party membership involves no duties other than voting; you may contribute money, do volunteer work, or participate in election campaigns