Political Parties Party Structure Today National Party Structure

Political Parties Party Structure Today

National Party Structure: Dems/Reps ►Although very similar on paper, structure of national Dem party differs substantially from that of the Rep party in practice

National Party Structure: Dems ►Democrats, torn by ideological conflicts have evolved into a factional party emphasizing mobilization & party activists

National Party structure: Reps ►Rep party has become a bureaucratic party devoted to winning elections by focusing on raising money & providing consulting services to candidates

Results: Pres. Nominees ►Democrats have selected pres. Candidates with a liberal orientation ►Republicans have selected more moderate nominees capable of attracting middle-class voters

Party Structure ►These generalizations apply to national-largely presidential elections ►Two parties break down at the state & local levels where party strength varies by region

Party Structure ►The key organizational unit of the party structure is located at the city, county, and state levels ►National parties are little more than an affiliation of regional entities---lack any real control over them

Local Party Orgs. ►Five distinct type of local party orgs. have developed ►The machine ►Ideological parties ►Solidary Groups ►Sponsored parties ►Personal followings

Party Structure ►Various types of local parties are all important ►But increasingly, political activists who become nationally known enter that scene from interest groups (AFL-CIO, NOW, NEA, etc. )

Party Structure Today ►Despite the power at the local level, most Americans define the parties on the basis of their national identities

National Party Structure: Dems ►Democrats has been embracing aspects of the Republican party structure ►Public opinion polls, direct mail & the use of super delegates to insure a more “electable” candidate

Democratic National Party ►Bill Clinton was an untraditional Democratic nominee ►Alienated himself from certain African. American leaders (Jesse Jackson) ►Attacked liberal policy (welfare system) ►Pres candidate John Kerry—moderate or liberal? ?

National Republican Party ► As the Democrats moved to the center, the Republicans have become more ideological ► Some are unhappy with these developments ► Liberal Democrats complain about “selling out” ► Moderate Republican complain about the influence of the religious right

Political Party Structure ►The very soul of each party is up for grabs ►It is better to win or to be ideologically pure? ►Are the two goals compatible?