An Introduction to Political Parties

• Definition: A group of persons who seek control of government through winning elections and holding public office.
• In most cases/countries: Political parties come together to promote certain public policies and programs, such as environmentalism, socialism, worker’s rights, etc.
• In the United States, we have TWO PARTIES, Groups of people with diverse interests that have come together to form the Republicans and Democrats.

Political Parties

Democratic Women at a Voting Rally, February, 2020.

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Republican candidate J.D. Vance runs for the Senate in Ohio, 2016.

• Multi-Party Systems:
• Common in Europe and most nations around the world.
• Typically wide-ranging ideologies are represented
• Based on economic class, religious belief, political ideologies, etc.
• One-Party Systems: Usually indicates a dictatorship
• Two-Party Systems
• Only 3 nations (U.S., Jamaica and Malta) have TRUE two-party systems, in which third parties have never managed to be elected for major office.

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Political Party Systems around the World

An anti-government rally in Prague, September, 2022.

Supporters of the Austrian “Freedom Party.” April, 2023.

Political Party Systems around the World

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• History/Tradition
• First Political Parties: Federalists & Anti-federalists (opposite sides when writing the Constitution and the Bill of Rights)
• Electoral Law
• Designed to preserve two-party system
• Difficult for minor parties to get on ballot and make an impact.
• American Ideological Consensus:
• General agreement on broad issues
• Most Americans are “middle of the road.”
• Often political parties involve the struggle of personalities or just one or two critical issues

Why is the U.S. a 2 Party System?

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Trump 2024 rally, July, 2023.

President Biden rallies with Union Leaders, Pennsylvania, June, 2023.

Is the Two-party System good for America?

Arguments for: Arguments against:

Stability and Predictability: Everyone knows which parties are running, leads to smoother transitions of power.

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Simplicity for Voters: Easier decision making for voters.

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Broad-Based Appeal: The two parties work hard to appeal to a wide range of voters.

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Ease in Decision-Making: Easier to make decisions, as the parties are already aligned.

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Clear Choices: A two-party system offers distinct policy and ideological alternatives, which can lead to more focused debates on key issues during campaigns.

Is the Two-party System good for America?

Arguments for: Arguments against:

Stability and Predictability: Everyone knows which parties are running, leads to smoother transitions of power.

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Simplicity for Voters: Easier decision making for voters.

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Broad-Based Appeal: The two parties work hard to appeal to a wide range of voters.

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Ease in Decision-Making: Easier to make decisions, as the parties are already aligned.

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Clear Choices: A two-party system offers distinct policy and ideological alternatives, which can lead to more focused debates on key issues during campaigns.

Limited Choice: The two-party system can lead to a lack of political diversity.

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Polarization: Two party systems lead to more extreme positions and less willingness to compromise.

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Exclusion of Minor Parties: Smaller parties and alternative viewpoints cannot have any political power within the two-party system.

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Lack of Voter Enthusiasm: Some voters might feel disconnected from the major parties

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Focus: Major parties prioritize winning elections over comprehensive policy discussions.

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Remember that these points provide a general overview, and individual opinions on the two-party system can vary widely based on different perspectives and experiences.

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Regenerate

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What does a Political Party do?

• Develop broad policy choices and present these choices to the people.
• Act as a link between people and government.
• Try to moderate the extremes of the parties.

Political Party Platforms for the 2020 Presidential Election.

The 5 Main Political Party Functions

1. Nominating Function: Select candidates and present them to voters.
2. Informer/Stimulator Function: 
• Informer-  Educational campaigns: TV, signs, ads, speeches, rallies, etc.
• Stimulator- "Get out Vote" campaigns, criticize opposition
3. “Seal of Approval” function: Works to ensure good performance of its candidate.

Republican Presidential Candidate Debate, August 23, 2023.

The 5 Main Political Party Functions, cont.

4. Governmental Function: U.S is government by party:
• Public offices: chosen by party
• Congress and state legislatures: organized by party
• Executive appointments: chosen by party
• Parties provide channels of cooperation in government, necessary due to the Balance of Powers.

Make-up of Congress by Political Parties, 2023.

The 5 Main Political Party Functions, cont.

5. Watchdog Function—act as watchdog over public business
• Especially regarding the opposing party.
• Under normal circumstances, this makes both sides more careful and responsive to the citizenry.