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American political life. Political parties Campaigns and elections. Political parties. Definition: a group of political activists who organize to win elections, to operate the government, and to determine public policy. Functions of parties
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American political life Political parties Campaigns and elections
Political parties • Definition: a group of political activists who organize to win elections, to operate the government, and to determine public policy. • Functions of parties • Recruiting candidates to run for elective offices at all levels of government • Mobilize citizens to vote and participate in elections • Bear the responsibility of operating government at all levels • Providing organized opposition to the party in power is an essential role for a party that does not control one or another branch of the government.
Red vs. Blue • In the years after 1968, the general pattern was often a Republican president and a Democratic Congress. • 2000 Presidential Election (Red state-blue state)
Red vs. Blue States Elections in 1898 Elections 2004
Political parties • Any American citizen may join a political party regardless of age, but most members are eighteen or older. • The United States has a two-partysystem. The Republicans emerged as a major party in 1860 with the election of Abraham Lincoln. The Democratic Party formed under Andrew Jackson twenty years earlier. • In 1828, the farmers and small business owners who made up Jefferson’s party, calling themselves the Democratic Party, nominated Andrew Jackson. He stood for the common citizen, but looked out for southern and western interests. • Those who did not support Jackson formed their own party called Whigs, after a Scottish political leader. • Their real name was the National Republican Party. • The Whigs and Democrats made up the two key parties in American politics for two decades.
In 1854 Whigs, former Free Soil Party members, and ex-Democrats formed the Republican Party to oppose the spread of slavery in US territories. • The Whigs faded from American politics leaving the Democrats and Republicans in a two-party system that has dominated American politics ever since.
A two-party system • During the last half-century, the Democrats have been known as the party of the working class and of racial and ethnic minorities. • During the last half-century, the Republicans have been known as the party of business and known for having an ethic of self-reliance. • Republicans have emphasized the importance of the marketplace and less emphasis on social programs. • Democrats have emphasized social welfare and protection of senior’s benefits.
In recent years, cultural issues have become increasingly important in defining the differences between the parties. • Abortion, Stem Cell, Same Sex Marriage
Democrats usually feel that the federal government has a responsibility to help the poor through government intervention. • Democrats are generally seen as liberal. • Republicans hold the view that leaving the economy alone will allow for growth, giving people greater ability to help themselves. They believe in less regulation. • Republicans are viewed as being conservative.
National conventions • The National Convention of the party: • writes the party platform. • nominates a presidential candidate. • seeks to make peace between supporters of rival candidates. • chooses a national committee to govern the party between conventions.
Campaigns and elections • Autumn to March: The primary nomination process • There is a contestwithinpolitical parties • Politiciansjokey for power locally and try to gather (=garner) support of party leaders and activists. • The candidates start to raisefunds (=money) • Policy stances and agendas are outlined (=définis dans leurs grandes lignes). • Media reports are released, it’s time for surveys and ads. • Division and factions may surface within parties.
Campaigns and elections … • February – March: 1st state primaries or caucusesduringwhich the candidates try to gettheirparty’s final nomination. They must secure the majority of the votes. • During the first-round elections, the citizensfromeach state vote for the candidates who are competing et gettheirparty’s nomination. • July: NATIONAL CONVENTIONS: a time for pageantry and showmanship.
Campaigns and elections… • August – November: official electioncampaign. • During the presidential race the entire party becomsunifiedbehindits candidate. • The candidate travelsthroughout the country, makes public appearances, gives (delivers) speeches… • The presidentialnomineechooses a running mate
Campaigns and elections… • ELECTION DAY: Tuesday after the first Monday Americans vote for PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS pledged to a candidate. Each state isapportioned a number of electorsequal to the number of theircongressionaldelegation. DECEMBER: ELECTORAL COLLEGE IN THE STATES (indirect popular vote) : electorswho are publiclycommitted to one of the candidates are empowered to vote. The candidate whowins a state gets all of the electoralcollege’s vote (win-all elections).
Campaigns and elections… • January, 6th: the votes are sent to Congress. With 538 electors, the candidate must receiveat least 270 votes. • January, 20th: the president and vice-presidenttake the oath of office and are inaugurated (inauguration day).
Presidential & Mid-Term ElectionsChange in House of Representative Seats
Turn out • high opportunities for mass participation • range of elective offices • primary elections • referendums and initiatives • actual participation • primaries (5%-20%) • general election (45%-55%) • Whichotherreasonsmayaccount for the lowturn-out rate?
Turn-out Americans do vote veryoften. Elections in Massachusetts: • President • US House of Representatives • US Senate • state governor • state representative • state senate • state attorney general • state auditor • state treasurer • secretary of state • county commissioner • sheriff • clerks of courts • mayor • city councillors • school committee members
