George Washington warned against political parties in his farewell address, saying they lead to factionalism and despotism. However, John F. Kennedy argued that parties were necessary to hold groups accountable and give voters alternatives. Political parties serve several functions like nominating candidates, governing, educating voters, and providing opposition. The US has a two-party system with the Democratic and Republican parties historically representing liberal and conservative ideologies. Party organization is decentralized between the national, state, and local levels.

1. U.S. Political Parties

2. Parties, who needs ‘em?Washington warned against political parties:“Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party, generally. The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty. The common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.”Source: George Washington’s Farewell Address, 1796

3. We Need PartiesJohn F. Kennedy disagrees with Washington:“Our Founding Fathers did not realize that the basic fact which has made our system work was outside the Constitution. And that was the development of political parties in this country so that the people would have the means of placing responsibility on one group, that group would have a chance to carry out its program, and the American people would have an opportunity to indicate their dissatisfaction by going to an alternative.”Source: John F. Kennedy, Democratic Committee, 1963

4. Purpose & FunctionPolitical party—organized group that shares common values and goals5 Functions:Nominate candidates for officeGoverning through party legislationEducate the public about issuesOpposition “watchdogs”Reduce conflict?

5. Party SystemsTwo-Party System (Oppositional dominance)Multiparty System (Several competing factions)Coalition(Necessary in multiparty systems)One-party system (Political Monopoly)

6. Independent VotersIndependent:no party affiliationSwingvoters:can decide elections

7. History of the PartiesLiberalConservativeAnti-Federalists (1789-1792)Democrat-Republicans (1792-1824)Democratic (1828-present)Federalists (1789-1820)Whigs (1833-1856)Republican (1854-present)VS.

8. Party Organization: DecentralizedNational Party: national conventions, platform, national committeeState Party: state central committee, fundraising, elect candidatesLocal Party: county committee, precinct, wards, voter turnout

9. Party Platforms

10. Political Ideology Scale