POLSC232: American Government

3.1: Political Parties

• 3.1.1: What Are Political Parties and What is Their Role in Government?

  • Dr. Patrick Scott's "Political Parties" URL

    Use these slides prepared by Dr. Scott as a reference when taking notes while watching the Political Parties lectures.
    

  • Dr. Patrick Scott's "Political Parties" Page

    Watch these lectures.

  • American Government and Politics in the Information Age: "Chapter 10: Political Parties" URL

    Read this chapter. Political parties are essential to democracy - they simplify voting choices, organize the competition, unify the electorate, help organize government by bridging the separation of powers and fostering cooperation among branches of government, translate public preferences into policy, and provide loyal opposition.

• 3.1.2: Historical Development of Political Parties

  • U.S. Department of State: "Political Parties" URL

    Read this concise historic explanation of political parties in the American system of government. Political parties are not mentioned in the Constitution. In fact, the Founding Fathers were wary of "factions" that could undermine democracy. However, political parties developed soon after the Constitution was written, largely out of necessity. The same leaders who opposed parties also recognized the need to organize officeholders who shared views so that government could operate effectively.

  • The Regents of the University of California: "Political Parties" Page

    Watch this presentation on the history and evolution of political parties in America.
    

• 3.1.3: Political Parties in the American Two-Party System Today

  • The Regents of the University of California: "Party Function and Structure" Page

    Watch this two-part presentation on the structure and functions of political parties.
    

  • C-SPAN: "Role of Political Third Parties" Page

    Watch this video by Donald J. Green, author of Third-Party Matters: Politics, Presidents, and Third Parties in American History, where he discusses the evolution and impact of third parties on the US political system. Think about some of the reasons Green gives as to why third parties have had difficulty in gaining traction in national elections.

• 3.1.4: Political Parties and Party Identification

  • The Regents of the University of California: "Party Identification" Page

    Watch this two-part presentation on party identification and national shifts in party control (realignment and dealignment) in the American political system. A person's loyalty to or preference for one political party is called party identification. When people identify with a party, they usually agree with the party's stance on a few major issues and give little weight to its stance on issues they consider minor or secondary. This presentation also discusses how some elections can serve as turning points that define the agenda of politics and the alignment of voters within parties during periods of historic change in the economy and society.

• Checkpoint

  • 3.1 Checkpoint Quiz

    Answer these ungraded questions to see how well you have understood the course material in this section.