Ch5

CHAPTER 5PARTIES AND INTEREST GROUPS:ELEPHANTS, DONKEYS, AND CASH COWS: 

CHAPTER 5 PARTIES AND INTEREST GROUPS: ELEPHANTS, DONKEYS, AND CASH COWS Why the Democrats can’t stand Ralph Nader and senior citizens have political power

Political parties : 

Political parties Political parties are organized groups of individuals that support, nominate, and run candidates for office. The role of political parties has declined in recent decades.

The Roles of American Parties: 

The Roles of American Parties The two party system has been used to resolve political and social conflicts. Mobilizing Support and Gathering Power A Force for Stability Unity, Linkage, Accountability The Electioneering Function Party as a Voting and Issue Cue Policy Formulation and Promotion

National parties vs. state parties : 

National parties vs. state parties Within states, parties are much more diverse and much more ideological than parties at the national level. State parties are the primary organizing units behind national parties. National parties are highly organized and active in every state, but the degree of organization among states varies according to population and available resources.

Party Platform: 

Party Platform A formal statement of beliefs, opinions, and policy stands tied together by a set of underlying principles based on the party’s ideological orientation.

The Evolution of American Party Democracy: 

The Evolution of American Party Democracy Hamilton and Jefferson, as heads of the Federalist and Anti-Federalist groups respectively, are often considered 'fathers' of the modern party system. By 1800, this country had a party system with two major parties that has remained relatively stable ever since.

Democrats and Republicans: The Golden Age: 

Democrats and Republicans: The Golden Age From the presidential elections of 1860 to the present, the same two major parties have contested elections in the United States: Democrats and Republicans. Reconstruction -- Republican dominance 1876-1896 -- closely competitive 1896-1929 -- Republican dominance 1930s and 1940s -- Democratic dominance 1950s and 1960s -- closely competitive 1970-present -- neither party dominant

Coalition - major political groupings that have shaped American policy.: 

Coalition - major political groupings that have shaped American policy. New Deal Coalition 1932 - F.D. Roosevelt

A New Deal liberal believes:: 

A New Deal liberal believes: Using the power of gov’t to solve problems a strong presidency curb big business, help the underdog not much objection to taxes or deficits favors labor and working persons minorities supports gov’t action to foster employment help those unable to help themselves civil liberties

Loyalty Trends (today)- Democratic: 

Loyalty Trends (today)- Democratic Labor union members tend to vote Democratic Democrats have a lead in garnering the women's votes Over 80% of African Americans and Hispanics vote 3 to 1 Democratic Young people are again more Democratic Most blue collar workers and unemployed are Democrats Catholics and Jews are mostly Democrats The widowed are mostly Democrats Liberals tend to be Democrats

A Classic Conservative believes:: 

A Classic Conservative believes: Best gov’t is the least gov’t less taxes oppose deficits, balance budget de-centralization de-regulation (laissez-fair capitalism) stress patriotism and strong defense strong Congress appeals to affluent and middle class

Loyalty Trends (today) - Republican: 

Chambers of Commerce tend to vote Republican The West tends to be more Republican Men tend to split fairly evenly between the two parties Cuban Americans are generally Republicans (anti-Castro) Professionals, executives, and white collar workers tend to be Republican High status Protestants tend to be Republican Married couples tend to be Republican Conservatives tend to be Republican Loyalty Trends (today) - Republican

Websites: 

Websites Major Parties Democratic National Committee www.democrats.org Republican National Committee www.rnc.org Third Parties Third Party Central www.3pc.net/index.html Libertarian Party www.lp.org Reform Party. www.reformparty.org

The Party-In-The-Electorate: 

The Party-In-The-Electorate The party-in-the-electorate is the mass of potential voters who identify with specific party. American voters often identify with a specific party, but rarely formally belong to it. Party identification is often a voter's central political reference symbol. Party identification generally come from one's parents. However party id can be affected by a number of factors such as education, peers, charismatic personalities, cataclysmic events, and intense social issues.

Party in the electorate : 

Party in the electorate Voter identification with the two major parties has declined, resulting in an increase in the number of individuals identifying themselves as independents. At the national level, party politics focus on the ability to capture the swing voter. At the state level, voters are much more ideological, resulting in larger number of factional splits than at the national level.

One-Partyism: 

One-Partyism A significant trend of recent times is the demise of one-partyism (one party dominance of elections in a given region). The formerly "Solid South" is no longer only Democratic. There are no Republican or Democratic states at this time. Many individuals split their vote between the parties, and sometimes vote for third parties.

Party in government : 

Party in government Degree of interparty competition within states varies according to the degree of party organization. Nevertheless, political parties remain the primary means for organizing government.

Party in organization : 

Party in organization Rise of candidate-centered politics has shifted the traditional role of political parties. Candidates no longer run on party platforms but rather on individual characteristics. Political parties serve a more fund-raising, and, particularly at the state level, a more consultant role.

From Mayor Daley to responsible politics : 

From Mayor Daley to responsible politics Party machines, patronage, and political corruption characterized party politics in the past. As a result, political scientists advocated a responsible party model whereby parties presented clear choices to voters and were held accountable for such choices.

Primaries and party politics : 

Primaries and party politics Primary elections shift control of the nomination process from party leaders to individual voters. Party leaders prefer closed primaries to open primaries because they discourage crossover and strategic voting.

Parties as fund-raisers and consultants : 

Parties as fund-raisers and consultants Candidates increasingly are turning to parties for assistance in raising money for televised campaign commercials. State parties serve as consultants between candidates and individual voters.

The Green Party : 

The Green Party States regulate parties through voter and ballot registration requirements. By regulating the amount of external influence candidates receive from political action committees (PACs), states diminish the opportunities for minor parties to achieve political success.

Minor Parties: Third-Partyism: 

Minor Parties: Third-Partyism Minor parties are not a threat to the two major parties. Only eight third parties have won any electoral votes in a presidential contest. The third parties that have had some success are: 1996 and 1992: Ross Perot’s Reform Party 1968: George Wallace’s American Independent Party 1924: Robert LaFollette’s Progressive Party 1912: Teddy Roosevelt’s Bull Moose Party 1856: Millard Fillmore's American Party

“Swing states” and presidential politics : 

“Swing states” and presidential politics Interparty competition remains relatively high at the state level. One-party dominance among states is declining due to population shifts and increased voter mobility.

Why Nebraska Democrats are rare : 

Why Nebraska Democrats are rare A state’s political culture influences the success of particular political parties. Democrats more successful in moralistic states; Republicans more successful in traditionalistic states.

Why Democrats seem like Republicans and vice versa : 

Why Democrats seem like Republicans and vice versa Given declining voter identification, parties attempt to appeal to as much of the electorate as possible. Parties attempt to “blur” their positions to discourage opponents. Declining party identification has increased the role of interest groups.

Ralph Nader and Ross Perot : 

Ralph Nader and Ross Perot Minor, or third, parties more successful at the state and local levels than at the national level. Despite increasing support, minor parties face a number of institutional barriers to political success. Major parties usually set ballot thresholds and registration requirements to discourage third party success.

Declining Party Loyalty?: 

Declining Party Loyalty? The number of independents in the U.S. rose from 19% in 1958 to 37% twenty years later. Identification with the two major parties today is in the mid 80% range. Pollsters often find that many self declared independents often 'lean' quite strongly to either the Democrat or Republican party. “Leaners” do feel party affiliations, but choose not to self-identify with a party.

Who is in the drivers seat today?: 

Who is in the drivers seat today? New Deal Coalition Conservative Coalition Moderates Ticket Splitters Single Elite ?

What Are Interest Groups?: 

What Are Interest Groups? Interest Group (special interests) is an organization of people with similar policy goals that tries to influence the political process to try to achieve those goals. Interest groups try to influence every branch and every level of government.

Interest groups : 

Interest groups Interest groups differ from political parties in that interest groups do NOT run candidates for office under their own labels. Interest groups both support candidates for office and lobby existing officeholders. Interest groups provide both financial and personnel resources to individual candidates.

Interest group behavior : 

Interest group behavior Number of interest groups has increased dramatically in recent decades. Rise of candidate-centered politics has increased the political access of interest groups and lobbyists in the nomination process. Given the increasing role of states in regulating social and economic activity, lobbying has become highly professionalized.

The Roots and Development of American Interest Groups: 

The Roots and Development of American Interest Groups Interest groups have been part of the American political landscape since the country’s founding. James Madison in Federalist #10 argued for a proliferation of groups so that no one group could get hegemony over the other groups. The open nature of the American government invites organized political participation.

The Roots and Development of American Interest Groups: 

The Roots and Development of American Interest Groups National Groups Emerge (1830-80) Progressive Era (1890-1920) Organized Labor – the American Federation of Labor (AFL) (1886) Business and Trade Associations – The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) (1895) The Rise of the Interest Group State (1960s and 1970s) Religious and Ideological Groups Business Groups, Trade and Professional Associations Organized Labor

What Do Interest Groups Do?: 

What Do Interest Groups Do? The most common and effective interest group technique is lobbying or seeking to influence and persuade others to support your group's position. Lobbyists are hired by businesses, foreign countries, trade associations, and anyone else wanting their voice heard on policy matters. A Lobbyists is someone whose task it is to influence legislation or policymaking.

PAC - Political Action Committee: 

PAC - Political Action Committee A nonparty group that solicits contributions from its members and uses the money to influence the outcome of elections

PACS - Con: 

PACS - Con Pressure to make contributions undue influence on public officials funds go disproportionately to incumbents corporate and business most numerous hurt political parties

PACS - Pro: 

PACS - Pro help finance the cost of elections increase knowledge of members and public encourage voting and participation links the public with its representatives a right protected by the First Amendment

Interest Groups Techniques: 

Interest Groups Techniques Direct Techniques: Lobbying Private meetings Testifying Drafting Legislation Social Occasions Providing Political Info Supplying Nomination suggestions Indirect Techniques: Generating Public Pressure Groundswell of public pressure Use Constituents as Lobbyists Building Alliances with other groups

Lobbyists: 

Lobbyists A lobbyist must be honest and truthful if he or she wants to remain effective. Access to lawmakers is critical and if a lobbyist gets a reputation of being untruthful or disingenuous legislators doors will close. Of course, lobbyists put their group's position in a favorable light but good lobbyists will also make lawmakers aware of the downsides of a bill and the arguments on the other side as well.

What Makes an Interest Group Successful?: 

What Makes an Interest Group Successful? In general three factors tend to lead to interest group success: Leaders – having a prominent leader aids in the reputation of the group and enhances a group's ability to attain its goals. Patrons and Funding – funding is critical. Without money, it is hard to get your message out. Members – a group must have members to be successful. Organizing members allows for strength in numbers and pooling of financial support.

Pluralism and its Critics: 

Pluralism and its Critics Pluralist theory argues that interest group activity brings representation to all. Interest groups compete and counterbalance one another. Three criticisms of pluralism are It gives short shrift to those who are not organized. It fails to deal with the fact that some interests have more power than others. It seems to leave no room for consideration of transcendent national interests.

Hyperpluralist Theory: 

Hyperpluralist Theory Hyperpluralist argue that when interest groups become so powerful that they dominate the political decision-making structures they render any consideration of the greater public interest impossible.

Criticism Interest Groups: 

Criticism Interest Groups Interest Groups have been criticized for Ignoring the wider interest of society Producing confusion and deadlock in Congress Generating so much emotion that they make reasoned discussion difficult Having too much influence

Important Points to Think About: 

Important Points to Think About Interest Groups Promote interest in public affairs Provide useful information Serve as watchdogs Represent the interest of Citizens

Conclusion: 

Conclusion Primary role of political parties is to nominate candidates for political office, but that role has changed with declining voter identification. Rise of candidate-centered politics has led to national parties serving more of a fund-raising role while state parties serve more of a consultant role.

Conclusion (cont’d): 

Conclusion (cont’d) The rise of candidate-centered politics has also led to interest groups becoming more influential in the nomination process.