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Pol Notes 4%2F26%2F2017
Introduction to American Politics (Pol 101)
University of Mississippi
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Chapter 9 Political Parties Party eras or systems defined period of time where one party dominates Critical the end of one party and the beginning of another A shift in party dominance is referred to as a realignment Occur when issues that currently separates the two parties decline in relevance New issues emerge that parties decline in relevance New issues emerge that parties center around Dramatic shifts in which party governs Defining Traits of Party Number of parties Organizational structure Balance of power between parties and within party coalitions Institutional and social bases of support Issues and policies that define the party and their competitors Why do we have a system? Electoral Law: single member district plurality (FPTP) favors a system Winner takes all districts If candidates wins 20 percent, or .001 percent, same results Losing party gets no representation from that specific district In contrast to proportional representation systems Multimember districts or states, party wins number of seats in proportion to the share of votes won in election Sidenote: FPTP means first past the post Obstacles facing third parties Historical pattern of political socialization Federal law states only parties receiving more than of national presidential vote are entitled to federal funds No party infrastructure Problem raising Ideological challenge Perception of third parties Third parties are less viable , voters feel it is a Difficulty in gaining ballot access Difficulty in Gaining Ballot Access For 2016 Election Libertarian Party on ballot in 33 states Green Party on ballot in 21 states Constitution Party on ballot in 15 states Effect of Third Parties on Politics Bring political issues to the attention Can take victory from one major party and give it to another Provide a voice for voters who are alienated from the major parties What are political parties? Organized groups that attempt to influence the government electing members to local, state, and national offices Party registered party money, setting the agenda Voters Officials Parties respond to voters and the elected officials of the parties act in favor of the voters Sidenote: Single member district plurality: one district that gets plurality and majority or wins Functions of Parties Select Candidates during the primary and run campaigns Mobilize voters and increase voter participation Provide important information cues to voters Coordinate Policymaking Keep political power in check Balance competing interests 3 components of political power Party in electorate: consists of those who describe themselves as Democrats or Republicans Party organization: national, state, and local offices Party in government: candidates who have won election and now hold office Party Organization influences party in government setting the agenda, Party in government poses legislation that is favorable to the party in the electorate. Party in electorate influence party in government electing its officials. Party in electorate influence party in organization participating.
Pol Notes 4%2F26%2F2017
Course: Introduction to American Politics (Pol 101)
University: University of Mississippi
