Similar “Good Government” States Produce Radically

Different State Party Systems

Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota & WisconsinBy: Lauren Lange and Heather Miki

Iowa

• Caucus System

• Competitive environment creates orientation toward electoral politics

• Factionalism

Michigan

• Labor unions

• Party building on issues

• Strong party organization

Wisconsin

• Multi-party system

• Well-developed campaign finance laws

• Lack of partisan registration

• Decentralized

Minnesota

• Competitive Politics

• Fascination with Independents

• Interest groups are more cohesive than parties

• Caucus system

Democratic Control of State Government

Democratic Control of State Government

Democratic Control of State Government

Democratic Control of State Government

State Government and Citizen Liberalism

State Government and Citizen Liberalism

State Government and Citizen Liberalism

State Government and Citizen Liberalism