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POLITICAL PARTIES

This article explores the differences between US and European political parties, including factors such as voter loyalty, power decentralization, regulation, candidate selection, and party membership. It also discusses the decline in party identification and the roles of minor parties. The article analyzes the party preferences of Democrats and Republicans, factors influencing party choice, critical elections, and the historical context of the two-party system in American politics.

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POLITICAL PARTIES

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  1. POLITICAL PARTIES

  2. How do U.S. political parties differ from European parties? • European voters are more loyal • Federal system decentralizes power • Parties regulated by state & federal laws • Candidates are not chose by party leaders • Also • Unimportant in life – Americans do not join or pay dues

  3. The first political parties • Founders disliked parties ( factions) • Democratic- Republicans & Federalists • Begin with differing views of the constitution and political notables

  4. Fundamental Goal • To win elections • Why? • To control government

  5. TWO-PARTY SYSTEM • RARE IN THE WORLD • U.S. SYSTEM - WHY? • Historical • The force of Tradition • Basic consensus on fundamental matters • Electoral system –Winner-take-all

  6. Figure 7.3: Cleavages and Continuity in the Two-Party System (cont’d)

  7. 3. Discuss the reason for party decline • Party loyalty has declined • Split-ticket voting* • Increase in Independents • No longer sources of political information

  8. Figure 7.1: Decline in Party Identification, 1952-2000: • Source: National Election Studies, The NES Guide to Public Opinion and Electoral Behavior, 1952-2000, table 20.1.

  9. Roles of Minor Parties • Critics • “Spoilers” • Ideas are often borrowed by major parties

  10. Types of Minor Parties • 1. Ideological parties – comprehensive view of social, economic, and political matters. Ex. – Libertarian & Socialist party • 2. Single-issue party – concentrate on one public-policy issue. Ex. – Right to Life Party

  11. 3. Economic protest – Economic discontent Ex. – Populist • 4. Splinter parties – a party that has split away from one of the major parties. Ex. – “Bull Moose” and American Independent

  12. DO THE PARTIES DIFFER? • Democrats & Republicans • Democrats – Women, Union workers, teachers, urban, African-American & other minorities, Catholic & Jews • Issues – Pro-choice, gov’t regulations on businesses and support social welfare programs

  13. Republicans- white males, business community, rural, Protestants • Issues – pro-life, lower taxes, and favor private market forces in the economy

  14. What factors tend to influence ones choice in political parties?

  15. Family • Major events • Economic status • Other

  16. Table 7.2: The Rise of Republican Politics in the South, 1956-2002

  17. Critical Elections • Sharp and lasting shift in coalitions • Major defeat of a party, and a new one taking its place • New issue

  18. Map 7.1: The Election of 1828

  19. Map 7.2: The Election of 1860

  20. Map 7.3: The Election of 1896

  21. Map 7.4: The Election of 1932

  22. Table 7.3: Party Voting in Presidential Elections

  23. Table 7.4: The Public Rates the Two Parties

  24. Table 7.5: How Party Delegates and Party Voters Differ in Liberal Ideology

  25. Table 7.6: Political Opinions of Delegates and Voters

  26. Journal • Does a difference exist between the Democratic and Republican parties? Consider how the voters and candidates differ on the issues.

  27. Two-Party System in American History • Three Eras of single-party domination

  28. Era of Democrats 1800-1860 • Era of Republicans 1860-1932 • Era of Democrats 1932-1968 • Era of Divided Gov’t

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