WHAT THEY DO

Political Parties

What is a party?

Political party: group of persons who seek to control government through the winning of elections and the holding of public office.

Major parties: Democrat and Republican, in American politics Our parties are election oriented, not issue oriented

What do they do?

Represent the people Medium between the governed and those who govern Will of the people is displayed through parties

“Power brokers” Bring about conflict and eventually compromise Meant to bring us together

Parties perform 5 major functions

Nominating Candidates

Party finds and nominates candidates Work to win the election through the party

Rally voters, raise funds Parties offer best solution to finding and

nominating candidates

Informing and Activating Supporters

Parties inform people Get people involved based on their desires

News media and interests groups also do this Inspiring voters

Have candidate take stand on issue Attack other candidates views Present candidate in best way possible

Win election Ultimate goal

Bonding Agent Function

Bond Insurance agreement protecting a person or business

against loss caused by a third party Political parties are bonding agents that ensure the

good performance of its candidates Select qualified candidates

Perform well in office They want their party to remain in power

Governing

US is governed by parties Candidates selected and elected by party Congress organized by party lines Partisanship: firm allegiance to a political party is the

basis for government action Executive and Legislative branches

Must work together to accomplish anything Political parties offer that channel for progress

Acting as Watchdog

Party in power Party that controls the executive branch Criticized by the party out of power (watchdog) Criticism fuels voters interests and desire

Keeps party in power on best behavior