Political parties lay claim to different areas along the political spectrum. From the extreme left to the extreme right and all points in between. The most successful parties are those that are able to lay claim to the most space on the political spectrum, thereby, appealing to the highest number of possible voters.
When the Constitution was written, there were no political parties in the United States. There were, however, ideological factions. While the Framers knew there was no way to avoid faction (see Federalist No.10) , Washington feared that organized parties would, well....., read for yourself above.
One thing the Framers did not anticipate was the fact that organized parties would be created so quickly. The creation of the two-party system was a natural reaction to the electoral system of the United States of America; a winner-take-all system.
Two-party systems aren't the only way to operate though.
There are One-party systems (China, Cuba) and there are Multi-party systems (India, Italy)
There are three main roles that political parties in America serve.
- To identify and nominate candidates for elected office
- To inform the electorate
(party platform, registering voters, educate voters, 'brand name', serve as 'watchdog')
- To run the government once elected
Each political party has its own hierarchy and structure. (precinct -> ward -> county -> state -> national)
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| Debbie Wasserman Schultz - Chair - DNC |
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| Reince Priebus - Chair - RNC |
The good and the bad of political parties:
- limits extremism
- provide stability
- build consensus
- identifiable 'brand'
- can't fulfill all promises
- big party contributors hold overwhelming influence
- gridlock
