Post on 21-Jan-2016
Explain how US Political Parties differ from those of
other Western Nations. Discuss some of the major causes of these differences
Answer on next slide
• Less control over nominations: primary elections
• Less control over campaigns: candidates get funds independently
• Less control of elected members
• Factors: decentralization of federal system, regulation of parties by state and federal laws, separation of legislative and executive powers
• Explain how the attitudes and traditions of American voters reinforce the institutional and legal factors that make American parties relatively weak.
• Answers on next slide
• Parties are rarely important in the life of an average citizen
• Membership means supporting by vote
• Parties are kept separate from other aspects of our lives
• Americans resent partisanship infecting other aspects of their lives
• Explain the attitudes of the Founders toward political parties and how they came into existence? (201-202)
• Factions, George Washington and his Farewell Address
• Jefferson and Hamilton• Disentangling opposition to particular
policies from opposition to newly formed government
• Jeffersonian Republicans: a “temporary” arrangement which encouraged the organization of the Federalists
• List and explain the five kinds of party organizations described in the text. Give examples of each. (213-217)
• The Machine: use of tangible incentives; Chicago, Philadelphia, Albany
• Ideological Parties: principle above all else; Socialist, Prohibition, Libertarian
• Solidary Groups: sociability; ward and town organizations in St. Louis
• Sponsored Parties: external organization supports; Detroit Democrats
• Personal followings: devotion to a politician