Are Political Parties Declining In The Us

Question 1

State some reasons for the decline of political parties

Answer 1

. The parties have ultimately lost control over presidential candidate selection, instead ordinary people now choose the presidential candidates. This is a loss of coughs/ strength for the parties.

. Parties have lost their traditional function as the communicator between politicians and the voters. Previously party communication would be done via party rally’s but now TV and the Media have become more prevalent, it could be said the role of the party has been cut out.

. Campaigns have become less party centred and more candidate centred, as a result voters vote more for a candidate than a party therefore removing the need for a political party.

Question 2

State some reasons to why political parties aren’t declining

Answer 2

. The parties are still largely strong. Party decline is largely exaggerated mostly as a result of political actions of the time e.g. The Democrats decline in the 1970’s and 60’s could be as a result of Vietnam.

. Partisanship within congress has increased with more congressman/ women voting on party lines.