American political life

American political lifePolitical partiesCampaigns and elections

Political parties▫ Definition: a group of political activists who organize to win

elections, to operate the government, and to determine public policy.

▫ Functions of parties

Recruiting candidates to run for elective offices at all levels of government

Mobilize citizens to vote and participate in elections

Bear the responsibility of operating government at all levels

Providing organized opposition to the party in power is an essential role for a party that does not control one or another branch of the government.

Red vs. Blue In the years after 1968, the general pattern was often a Republican president and a Democratic Congress.

2000 Presidential Election (Red state-blue state)

Red vs. Blue StatesElections in 1898 Elections 2004

Political parties• Any American citizen may

join a political party regardless of age, but most members are eighteen or older.

• The United States has a two-party system. The Republicans emerged as a major party in 1860 with the election of Abraham Lincoln. The Democratic Party formed under Andrew Jackson twenty years earlier.

• In 1828, the farmers and small business owners who made up Jefferson’s party, calling themselves the Democratic Party, nominated Andrew Jackson. He stood for the common citizen, but looked out for southern and western interests.

• Those who did not support Jackson formed their own party called Whigs, after a Scottish political leader.

• Their real name was the National Republican Party.

• The Whigs and Democrats made up the two key parties in American politics for two decades.

• In 1854 Whigs, former Free Soil Party members, and ex-Democrats formed the Republican Party to oppose the spread of slavery in US territories.

• The Whigs faded from American politics leaving the Democrats and Republicans in a two-party system that has dominated American politics ever since.

A two-party system• During the last half-century, the Democrats have

been known as the party of the working class and of racial and ethnic minorities.

• During the last half-century, the Republicans have been known as the party of business and known for having an ethic of self-reliance.

• Republicans have emphasized the importance of the marketplace and less emphasis on social programs.

• Democrats have emphasized social welfare and protection of senior’s benefits.

• In recent years, cultural issues have become increasingly important in defining the differences between the parties.

• Abortion, Stem Cell, Same Sex Marriage

•Democrats usually feel that the federal government has a responsibility to help the poor through government intervention.

• Democrats are generally seen as liberal.• Republicans hold the view that leaving

the economy alone will allow for growth, giving people greater ability to help themselves. They believe in less regulation.

•Republicans are viewed as being conservative.

Political figures on the spectrum

National conventions•The National Convention of the party:•writes the party platform.•nominates a presidential candidate.•seeks to make peace between supporters

of rival candidates.•chooses a national committee to govern

the party between conventions.

Campaigns and elections•Autumn to March: The primary nomination

process▫There is a contest within political parties▫Politicians jokey for power locally and try to

gather (=garner) support of party leaders and activists.

▫The candidates start to raise funds (=money)▫Policy stances and agendas are outlined

(=définis dans leurs grandes lignes). ▫Media reports are released, it’s time for surveys

and ads. ▫Division and factions may surface within parties.

Campaigns and elections …•February – March: 1st state primaries or

caucuses during which the candidates try to get their party’s final nomination. They must secure the majority of the votes.

•During the first-round elections, the citizens from each state vote for the candidates who are competing et get their party’s nomination.

•July: NATIONAL CONVENTIONS: a time for pageantry and showmanship.

Campaigns and elections…•August – November: official election

campaign.▫During the presidential race the entire

party becoms unified behind its candidate.▫The candidate travels throughout the

country, makes public appearances, gives (delivers) speeches…

▫The presidential nominee chooses a running mate

Campaigns and elections…•ELECTION DAY: Tuesday after the first Monday

Americans vote for PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS pledged to a candidate. Each state is apportioned a number of electors equal to the number of their congressional delegation.

DECEMBER: ELECTORAL COLLEGE IN THE STATES (indirect popular vote) : electors who are publicly committed to one of the candidates are empowered to vote. The candidate who wins a state gets all of the electoral college’s vote (win-all elections).

Campaigns and elections…•January, 6th: the votes are sent to

Congress. With 538 electors, the candidate must receive at least 270 votes.

•January, 20th: the president and vice-president take the oath of office and are inaugurated (inauguration day).

Presidential & Mid-Term ElectionsChange in House of Representative Seats

-60-50-40-30-20-10010203040

Nixon/Ford

Carter

Reagan

Reagan

Bush

Clinton

Clinton

Bush

Pres. Mid-Term

Presidential & Mid-Term ElectionsChange in Senate Seats

-10

-5

0

5

10

15

Nixon/Ford

Carter

Reagan

Reagan

Bush

Clinton

Clinton

Bush

Pres. Mid-Term

Turn out•high opportunities for mass participation

▫range of elective offices▫primary elections▫referendums and initiatives

•actual participation▫primaries (5%-20%)▫general election (45%-55%)

•Which other reasons may account for the low turn-out rate?

Turn-outAmericans do vote very often. Elections in Massachusetts: • President• US House of Representatives• US Senate• state governor• state representative• state senate• state attorney general• state auditor• state treasurer• secretary of state• county commissioner• sheriff• clerks of courts• mayor• city councillors• school committee members