Political Parties - Outline

Political Parties How Political Parties Work • What is a political party? o Rise of independents o American voter identification Party Organization  National party committees  State party committees  County party committees  Party committees in Congress Party Function o Recruit candidates o Organize elections o Hold conventions o Unite factions o Ensure plurality National Conventions The American Two-Party System o The Electoral System o Electoral College o Proportional Representation Advantages and Disadvantages Realignment o Critical elections Soft Money o Voter registration and GOTV drives o Issue Ads o Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act  McCain-Feingold bill  527 groups Third o o o

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Parties Coke v. Pepsi Analogy Important Third Parties The Appeal of Third Parties o Ideology o Dissatisfaction with the status quo o Geographical location The Role of Third Parties o Introduce new ideas o Put issues on the agenda o Spoil the election o Keep the major parties honest