Unit 4Chapter 16, Section2

Party Organization

Mr. Young

American Government

Essential Question

How are parties organized on the national, state, and local levels?

Even though the Constitution does not mention political parties, how do they function within our political society?

The Use of Volunteers

Volunteers perform a wide range of tasks

They obtain campaign contributions, publicize candidates, send out campaign literature, canvass voters, and watch at the polls on Election Day

Membership and Organization

Separate authority exists at each level of party organization

Local, State, and national parties select their own officers and raise their own funds

Party Membership

Must declare their party affiliation when they register to vote

Joining a political party is not a requirement in the United States

A voter may declare independent, not supporting any particular party

Party Membership Cont.

Major parties are open parties, welcoming whoever wishes to belong and whatever degree of involvement they want

Party membership provides a way for citizens to increase their influence on government

Local Party Organization

Basic local unit is the precinct, the voting district of a person

Each precinct has a volunteer precinct captain, who organizes party workers to distribute information about the party and its candidates and to attract voters to the polls

Several adjourning precincts make up a ward, and wards select party’s county committee

Local Cont.

County committee selects a party county chairperson, usually has a great deal of power in the county

Usually the weakest of the party organizations because they do not have much power and have trouble finding volunteers

State Party Organization

Most important part of the state party, state central committee

The committee chooses party state chairperson, usually at the wishes of the governor or US Senator

Main function of state central committee is to help elect the party’s candidates for state government officials

National Party Organization

Has two main parts- national convention and national committee

National convention is a gathering of party members and local and state party officials.

Meets every four years to nominate party’s President and vice-president

National cont.

National committee a large group composed mainly of representatives from the 50 state party organizations, runs the party

Party national chairperson, elected by the national committee, manages the daily operations of the national party.

Political Party Functions

6 major political party functions

1. Recruiting Candidates

2. Education the Public

3. Operating the Government

4. Dispensing Patronage

5. Loyal Opposition

6. Reduction of Conflict

Recruiting Candidates

Selecting candidates for public office and presenting them to voters for approval is the major function of political parties

Political parties are more election-oriented rather than issue-oriented

Educating the Public

Do bring issues to the public’s attention

Use media, such as press conferences and debates

Help people decide how to vote, if you vote for a Democrat or Republican, you can have a vague idea of how they stand on key issues

Operating the Government

Congress and state legislatures are organized and carry on their works on the basis of party affiliation

Party leaders in legislature also try to keep their members in line when voting for different legislation

Dispensing Patronage

Patronage, or favors given to reward party loyalty to their members

Business people or labor unions may expect officials to give them something in return

The Loyal Opposition

The party out of power acts a “watchdog” to the party in power

If opposition can successfully convince the public their solutions are better, they may win the next election

Reduction of Conflict

Party encourages groups to compromise and work together because they have to gain support from a wide variety of groups

Key outcome: parties encourage government to adopt moderate policies with mass appeal

When one party loses control, the transfer of power is peaceful