US Government and Politics:

Political Parties

Zim Nwokora
Deakin University
The Constitution and Political Parties
Founding Fathers were strongly opposed to the idea of political
parties

Parties were selfish organizations that pursued their own interests

possibly at the expense of the national interest

Constitution was meant to secure the national interest

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The Constitution and Political Parties
Thus, Constitution included features to prevent rise of strong
parties, including:

1. Separation of powers

2. Federalism

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The Constitution and Political Parties
However, political parties did form

In fact, political parties have become essential to the practical

workings of the Constitution

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The Functions of Political Parties

Unite separated institutions and enable cooperation

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The Functions of Political Parties

Unite separated institutions and enable cooperation

Help voters to make sense of politics and to cast an informed vote

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Democratic Party Republican Party

Civil rights and affirmative action Discomfort legislating equal outcomes

Defense “doves” Defense “hawks”
Moral liberalism: Moral conservatism:
Pro-choice on abortion Pro-life on abortion
“No” to school prayer School prayer
Gay rights / same-sex marriage No to gay rights
Law and Order: Law and Order:
Rights of the accused Death penalty
Gun control Right to bear arms
“Soft” on immigration “Tough” on immigration
“Facts,” “evidence” and “experts” “Do your own research”
The Functions of Political Parties

Unite separated institutions and enable cooperation

Help voters to make sense of politics and to cast an informed vote

Screening and selection of national leaders

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The American Party System

A “Two-Party” System

How has the American Party System changed over time?

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The American Party System

Always a two-party system, but not always the same two parties

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The Evolution of
the Party System

1st Party System

(1792-1824):
Federalists v.
Democratic-
Republicans

2nd Party System

(1828-1854):
Democratic Party
v. Whig Party

3rd Party System

(1854-1896):
Democratic Party
v. Republican Party

Since then:
Realignments
The First Party System
Federalists v. Democratic-Republicans

Major cleavage was over the strength and size of the new national
government

Federalists (Hamiltonians) favoured strong national government

Democratic-Republicans (Jeffersonians) preferred smaller national

government
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The Second Party System
Collapse of Federalists by 1824 leaves only one party

This party, the Democratic-Republican Party, divides into multiple

factions, which compete against themselves

Eventually, two dominant factions emerge: one led by General

Andrew Jackson (“Democrats”) and an anti-Jackson coalition
(“National Republicans” then “Whigs”)

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The Third Party System
In 1840s and 1850s, conflicts over slavery divided both the Whig and Democratic parties

Whig party collapsed under strain of slavery tensions

A number of anti-slavery party formed; the Republican Party emerged as the strongest
one

In 1860, Republican candidate (Lincoln) won the presidency and the (predominant
Democratic) South declared secession.

After war, Republicans were party of North and Democrats were party of South

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Realignments
Since 1896 domination of Democratic and Republican Parties, but their
persistence masks much change

Realignment theory: attempt to map significant party system changes

1. Disruption of pattern of political competition?

2. Shift in parties’ support base?
3. A critical election?
4. Major policy change?
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Realignments
1932 Realignment:
New Deal coalition (workers, professionals, farmers, Jews,
Catholics and blacks (in the North))

1960s Realignment:
Democratic Party changes longstanding policy on race; Republican
Party becomes more socially and morally conservative

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Landmark Moments
FDR Fireside Chat:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXY7TkrPPzI

LBJ Address to Congress:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxEauRq1WxQ
The Parties Today: Polarisation
America’s Third Parties
Tend to compete weakly

But they can have a great deal of influence over ideas and electoral
outcomes

E.g., Green Party in 2000 – cost Democrat Al Gore victory?

3rd party normally “dies” after one of the major parties adopts its issues

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What are the Drivers of the Polarization of
American Politics?