Slides

1. POL 318
Spring 2020

4.  Basic Unit = Precinct
 200,000 in US
 Offices often vacant because no one wants them
 Ward = Several connected precincts
 Series of wards are congressional district

5.  Historical – Party Machines (Tammany)
 Current – Activity LevelVaries
 Building Organization
 Elect County Officials
 Choose Primary Candidates for Special Elections
 Candidate Recruitment and Development
 Voter Registration, GOTV, Aid to Candidates

7.  Recruit candidates for statewide office
 Work with local parties (GOTV efforts)
 Organize state party convention
 Draft state party platform
 Decide spending of state party funds
 Selects members to national committee

8.  Chosen by party committee or state convention
 Elected every 2-4 years; turnover can be high
 Unorganized due to differences at local level
 Main Responsibilities:
 Supervising headquarters staff
 Conducting fundraising
 Recruiting candidates
 Serving as party spokesperson
 Strengthening local organizations

10. PRAGMATISTS
(PROFESSIONALS)
 Practical
 Loyalty Constant
 Choice on Electability
PURISTS
(AMATEURS)
 Principled and Issue-Oriented
 LoyaltyVariable
 Choice on Principles