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Political Parties

Political Parties. What is a Political Party?. Group that seeks to elect governmental officials under a given label The primary goal of a political party is to win control of government. Roles of political parties. Electioneering Nominate candidates Simplify voting choices

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Political Parties

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  1. Political Parties

  2. What is a Political Party? • Group that seeks to elect governmental officials under a given label • The primary goal of a political party is to win control of government

  3. Roles of political parties • Electioneering • Nominate candidates • Simplify voting choices • Provide stability and hold accountable • “big tents” • Coordinate actions of government officials • Propose and pass programs

  4. Why does America have a two-party system? • single-member districts instead of proportional representation • Ballot obstacles/funding challenges • Lack of media attention • dualist theory • political socialization • absorption of third party issues

  5. LP candidates were on the ballot every time in 2 states (Colorado and Washington).      LP candidates were on the ballot every time except 1972 in 25 states plus the District of Columbia.      LP candidates were on the ballot six times (missed two times) in 13 states.      LP candidates were on the ballot five times (missed three times) in 8 states.      LP candidates were on the ballot four times (missed four times) in 2 states (Missouri, West Virginia). Libertarian Party ballot attempts

  6. Party in government • party structures the operation of government • Congressional leaders are chosen on the basis of the controlling party • reason--set the agenda for what government will do

  7. Campaign spending • Expensive presidential campaign • President Bush launches ad campaign • Democrats seek funding for Kerry • Senator Feingold’s finances • Congressional races in 2004

  8. Party unity • Trends in congressional voting • Ability of parties to raise funds

  9. Party in the electorate • Party identification: person’s affinity for a party, usually resulting in voting for party’s candidates

  10. strong party loyalty is diminishing • how important is the party identification of voters? • Depends • Rise of independent voter—35-40% of population

  11. candidate, issue or party centered voting • What are the benefits/weaknesses of each type? • Think, pair, share

  12. Split-ticket voting • voter chooses candidates from different parties • around 60% in presidential elections • leads to divided government

  13. Redistricting and parties • 2000 census requires redistricting • Power of parties: state legislatures/governors

  14. For Tuesday: • Read Chapter 13 • Answer the question: why don’t people vote?

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