POLS 1113 Lecture Notes - Lecture 24: George H. Pendleton, Civil Service Retirement System, Tammany Hall
Document Summary
Americans take for granted a government organized around two distinct political parties, yet the constitution does not mention them. Political parties were created in this country out of disputes that arose during washington"s presidency. Note: this is ironic, since washington had a horror of parties, which he called factions. Jefferson and madison said no: could the president proclaim the united states neutral in the war between france and great. Out of these and similar disputes arose the federalist party (hamilton) and the democratic-republican. Parties survived because they efficiently organized: voters. Party labels provide cues to a candidate"s views: campaigns. Parties nominate candidates and write party platforms. Sidebar: tammany hall was a notorious and powerful democratic party machine in new york city that controlled elections by reliably delivering urban votes in exchange for cash, jobs, or social services: the government. Parties help bridge the divide between the president and congress, especially in areas of shared responsibilities.
