Political Parties, Interest Groups, PACs, 527s

Political Parties

• 2 party system– Republican– Democrat

• Bipartisan• Third Parties– Types– Why they fail?

• Linkage Institution

Function of Political Parties

• Party among the Electorate– Voters identify with party that represents their

ideas• Party in Government– Government officials

• Party as an organization– Political professionals who organize campaigns,

hold rallies, mail information, advertise

Function of Political Parties

• Recruit and nominate candidates• Educate and mobilize voters• Provide campaign funds and

support• Organize government activity• Provide check to opposing party

Democrats v Republicans

• Party bases• Independent voters• Centrist• Role of government

Democrats

• Less spending on defense• Less disposed to use vouchers• Social Welfare• Government run health care• Tax relief to middle and lower classes• Regulate firearms

Party Realignment

• Political coalitions fall apart – Members of majority party defect to minority

party– Signaled by critical election

• Dealignment– Members of party disaffected and don’t vote or

vote for person not the party

Interest Groups/ Lobbyists

• Christian Coalition• National Association for the

Advancement of Colored People• American Medical Association• Sierra Club• Common Cause (political reform)

Interest Groups and Lobbyists• Economic Groups– Protect Economic interests• US Chamber of Commerce• AFL-CIO• American Medical Association

• Public Interest Groups– Sierra Club– NRA

• Government Interest Groups– Foreign Governments– Mayors/Governors

Influencing the Government

• Direct Lobbying• Testify before Congress• Socializing• Donations (PACS)• Endorsements• Court Action• Rallying membership• Propaganda

PACs

• Federal Election Campaign Act 1974– PACs

Corporations, Unions, Trade Associations• 527– Named after tax code– Not in coordination with candidate– Bipartisanship Campaign Reform Act 2002• McCain-Fiengold Act