CAS PO 111 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Tammany Hall, Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act, Strategic Defense Initiative
Document Summary
4:51 pm: political parties and their functions. Americans value free election as part of democracy. Democratic gov"t is defined by competitive party politics: party functions. Political system: interrelated institutions that link people to government. Nominating candidates: without party nominations, there would be an array of self- nominated candidates counting on friendly/family/celebrity votes. Parties help set the standard on the qualification of the candidates. Structuring the voting choice: reducing the number of competitors on the ballot with just candidates that have a realistic chance of winning. Two party system allow citizens a good chance of replacing gov"t leaders. Proposing alternative gov"t programs: even if people did not know the candidate, they can still vote by platform. Coordinating the actions of the gov"t officials: since the candidates need the party finance and support, they will act according the party lines. A history of us party politics: the pre party period.