The Functions of Political Parties Politics and Political Parties

1. The Functions of Political Parties Politics and Political Parties

2. What is a political party? “A political party is a group of individuals who organize to nominate their own candidates, win elections, control government and influence public policy.” * Obviously, the two main political parties in the United States are the Democratsand Republicans… * “What other “MAJOR” political parties are there?”

3. Functions of Political Parties * There are four general functions that political parties serve in the United States: 1.) …nominate candidates, organize the election process 2.) …represent group interests throughout society 3.) …organize government and policy making 4.) …serve as the “watchdog” for society

4. Functions of Political Parties 1.) They nominate candidates, organizethe electionprocess… * A political party’s “most basic goal is to nominate candidates… to win elections!” (ELECTION ORIENTED, NOT principle oriented – WHY?) * HOW do parties win elections? 1.) recruit popular candidates (think nationally…) • 2.) provide money to their campaign effort (2012 – House, 95% and Senate, 80%) • 3.) “find out what voters want and promise to give it to them!” (…and then govern accordingly IF they win)

5. Functions of Political Parties 2.) They represent group intereststhroughoutsociety… * In the struggle for power, parties attempt to unite different groups of people… form coalitions (“discover what groups want, work to fulfill their desires”) Democrats: …labor unions, Jews/Catholics, minorities, urban areas, youth and intellectuals (academia) – Education? Republicans: …business, Protestant, white, suburban and rural areas – Education? * By creating coalitions, parties simplify political choices for voters at election time… (How? …imagine the alternative)

6. Functions of Political Parties 3.) They organize government andpolicy making… * Once elections are over, parties help organize the country’s governing institutions… (“policy decisions emerge from party leader’s attempts to govern in the spirit of their party’s philosophy”)

7. Functions of Political Parties 4.) They serve as the “watchdog” for public/society… * Job is to monitorthe opposing party in power …relationship between major parties ensures that the party out of power “will keep a close eye on its opponent and notify the public of any wrongdoing or policy misstep!”