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Explore the decentralized nature of political parties in the United States, from the President's party unity to the workings of the National, State, and Local party machinery, as well as the challenges and future outlook for major parties.
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Chapter 5 Section 5
Party Decentralization • President’s party is usually united around the President. • The many offices contribute to decentralization. • Nominating candidates fragments the parties.
National Party Machinery • National convention- Nominates candidates and sets rules and a platform. • National committee- A group of party members whose main focus is planning the next convention. • National chairperson- Directs the work of the party’s headquarters. Works to strengthen the party and fundraise.
National Party Machinery • Congressional campaign committees- Work to reelect incumbents and fill empty seats.
State and Local Party Machinery • State organization- State central committee headed by a chairperson. Work to develop party unity and fundraise. • Local organization- Work the interests of the area they are in.
Components of the Party • Party organization- People who run the party machinery. • Party in the electorate- Party loyalists. • Party in the government- Officeholders.
Future of Major Parties • Parties are in trouble. • Sharp drop since 1960 in the number of voters who will identify themselves as Republicans or Democrats. • Split-ticket voting. • Internal conflict. • Technology has made organizations less important. • Growth of single-issue organizations.