GVPT 170 Lecture 13: Ch. 12 Political Parties
16 Dec 2016
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Document Summary
Chief reason for longevity of parties: institutions created by the constitution make the payoff for using parties--for candidates, voters, and elected officeholders--too attractive not to use. Activities that maintain parties contribute to democratic politics in unforeseen ways. Instill democratic habits and practices in the citizenry (political efficacy) Allow citizens to hold elected representatives collectively responsible for what gov"t does. Organize activities of gov"t to facilitate collective action necessary to turn public preferences into public policy. Scholars have proposed a variety of formal definitions of political party. 2 of the most prominent stand in contrast. Burke"s (18th century) - a body of men united for promoting by their joint endeavors the national interest, upon some particular principle in which they are all agreed. Downs" (20th century)- a team of men seeking to control the governing apparatus by gaining office in a duly constituted election. 3rd defn: a coalition of people who seek to control the machinery of gov"t by winning election.
