9: Political Parties
- Page ID
- 284319
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 9.0: Introduction
- This page discusses the vital role of political parties in democracy, addressing their significance and the criticisms they encounter through historical examples. It reflects on the formation, structure, and polarization of U.S. parties, as well as the effects of government gridlock. Ultimately, it emphasizes the complexities and importance of political parties in the democratic system.
- 9.1: What Are Parties and How Did They Form?
- This page explores the significance and evolution of political parties in the U.S., distinguishing them from interest groups. It traces the historical development from the Federalists to the Democratic-Republicans, highlighting key events like Jackson's 1828 victory and the rise of third parties like Populist and Progressive.
- 9.2: The Two-Party System
- This page explores the U.S. two-party system shaped by winner-take-all elections and plurality voting, which hinder third-party success. It discusses how electoral methods and historical contexts influence party dynamics, including key realignment periods that shifted voter allegiances. Examples, such as the impact of Ross Perot's 1996 campaign, illustrate potential improvements in representation for smaller parties.
- 9.3: The Shape of Modern Political Parties
- This page explains the structure and function of political parties in the U.S., focusing on voter participation, party organization, and the evolution of party loyalty. It describes the roles of state and national party organizations in elections, including candidate support and fundraising, with an emphasis on national conventions.
- 9.4: Divided Government and Partisan Polarization
- This page examines the rising political polarization in the U.S., driven by increased populist sentiment, shifts in party loyalty, and the emergence of movements like the Tea Party and Occupy Movement. Factors like technology's impact on news, gerrymandering, and changes in voting district practices further exacerbate divisions, leading to diminished moderate representation and a decline in Congressional effectiveness.
- 9.5: Key Terms
- This page outlines key political concepts, electoral systems, and party dynamics in American politics. It covers definitions of terms like bipartisanship, critical elections, and divided government, while explaining voting methods such as first-past-the-post.
- 9.6: Summary
- This page discusses the significance of political parties in democracy, tracing their origins in the U.S. to elite disagreements over power. By 1860, a stable two-party system emerged, shaped by electoral rules, with minor parties struggling to compete. Modern parties emphasize candidate elections and engage voters locally.
- 9.7: Review Questions
- This page poses questions regarding U.S. political parties, addressing risks, early formations, realignment factors, electoral systems, third party impacts, party organization roles, voting significance, and the influence of partisan polarization and movements like the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street on politics. Each question aims to deepen understanding of the dynamics within the U.S. party system.
- 9.8: Critical Thinking Questions
- This page questions the dynamics of U.S. political parties, including the chances for a third party, their responsiveness to the public versus elites, the desired engagement level in parties, the effects of unified vs. divided government, and their influence on government efficiency. Each query encourages contemplation of the roles and impacts of political parties in the American political landscape.
- 9.9: Suggestions for Further Study
- This page summarizes scholarly analyses of American political parties, exploring their evolution, redistricting's effects on elections, and public views on political institutions. Key themes include party polarization, misconceptions about independent voters, and shifts in campaign strategies. The referenced works by notable political scientists enhance the understanding of American political behavior and critique of institutions.