Political Parties

Purposes and Functions

Today in Class

• Questions about project ????• Outline• Notes• Worksheet

Definition of Political Party• Group of people who share the same basic

political ideology, who organize to win elections and seek to control the government and thus determine public policy (what government should do and not do)

Major Party Functions• Recruit and Nominate Candidates• Run Campaigns• Motivate the electorate• Educate the public• Coordinate policy• Link between people and Government• Serve as watchdog

Nominate Candidates• Parties nominate or choose or select candidates from their

party to run for political office (primaries/convention) • Recruit candidates for public office• Act as a screening device for candidates• Nomination function is now mainly in the hands of the

people (voters) due to the primaries but still controlled somewhat by the parties

Run Campaigns • Party organization coordinates and helps to run the

campaigns for party candidates• Party organization raises money for candidates

(campaign committees) • Party organization advises candidates on what to

do and not to do

Motivate the Electorate• Organize voter registration drives• Encourage citizens to vote and assist in voting• In some cases, actually transport voters to their

polling place if they need assistance• Propaganda campaigns to persuade voters to

choose their candidate

Educate the Public• Parties educate the public about the issues

or problems that need to be addressed (start debate and discussions)

• Try to convince voters that their way is the best way to “run the government”

Serve as a Watchdog• Parties closely monitor and watch what the other

major political parties for corruption • Parties report on illegal activity and keep the

public informed of what the government is doing or not doing

Minor function that is not that important due to

the role of the Media

Link between people and Government• Political parties serve as a link between the people

and the government (contact government) • Allows people to organize together with common

goals, a shared vision (strength in numbers)• Allows for political participation (joining a group)• Parties provide information to voters about

candidates, mobilize voters, and raise funds

Coordinate Policy• Party members try to coordinate between the

branches of government (legislative and executive) to accomplish goals and objectives (divided and unified government)

• Seek help and support from other party members (Get laws passed)

Work Together

The Anthony Weiner Scandal

Republican House Rep Chris Lee Resigns After Attempted Hook-up on Craigslist

President Clinton Impeachment