POL SCI 40 Chapter Notes - Chapter 12: Party System, Proportional Representation, Spoils System
24 Dec 2016
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During the first few congresses, national leaders gradually divided into two major camps. Most modern democracies actually have more than 2 parties (even though most. A party receives legislative seats in proportion to its share of votes: used in many european democracies, this system helps to preserve smaller parties b/c votes for their candidates are not wasted. Unlike americans, who use a winner takes all system. Only applicable in a given electoral unit (i. e. state) 2 party pattern endures b/c federalism fragments the political system. Decentralized policymaking system allowed these local parties to work together to elect national leaders while going their own way on matters closer to home. National leaders could maintain diverse, unwieldy coalitions professional politicians. + many other smaller third parties first party system (1790 1824) Hamilton vs madison and jefferson in political clashes in the 1st few congresses led to creation of national parties: econ development, foreign policy disagreements. H = federalists: endorsed strong national gov.
