October 23, Slides 1-3 Flashcards
What are brokerage parties, and how do they function in post-WW2 democracies?
Brokerage parties are “market-oriented” political parties that emerged during the post-WW2 economic boom. They focus on moving to the political center and appealing to a broad middle class, often prioritizing leadership, branding, and election-time mobilization. This approach led to a decline in ideological platforms and political education, emphasizing consumerist democracy over collective political purposes.
Why are political parties considered vital for modern democracy in Canada?
Political parties are crucial for democracy as they perform essential functions like representing diverse interests and identities across Canada’s vast geography. As E.E. Schattschneider stated, “Modern democracy is unthinkable save in terms of parties,” highlighting their role in organizing political life and connecting citizens to representative institutions.
What does “consumerist democracy” mean, and how does it differ from traditional political mobilization?
“Consumerist democracy” refers to a political system where parties function like brands, focusing on voter outreach during elections and appealing to individual interests. Unlike traditional mobilization, which emphasized long-term political education and uniting for common purposes, consumerist democracy prioritizes short-term electoral gains and market-oriented strategies.
How has political branding changed the nature of modern political parties?
Political branding has led to an increased focus on leadership and image, with parties presenting themselves as marketable entities. This shift has reduced emphasis on ideology and political education, aligning parties more with consumer behavior than grassroots mobilization, particularly in brokerage systems.
What functions do political parties serve in Canada’s representative democracy?
In Canada’s representative democracy, political parties connect citizens to the government, articulate diverse interests, and facilitate the organization of elections and governance. They provide a structured way for voters to express their preferences while managing Canada’s vast and diverse population.
How do brokerage parties differ from ideologically driven parties in their goals and methods?
Brokerage parties prioritize appealing to a broad range of voters, often moving to the political center and de-emphasizing strict ideological stances. Ideologically driven parties, on the other hand, focus on advancing specific beliefs and policies, often appealing to narrower, more dedicated voter bases
Why did the rise of brokerage parties lead to a decline in political education and socialization?
The focus of brokerage parties on short-term election strategies and broad voter appeal diminished the need for long-term political education and grassroots engagement. Instead, they emphasized branding and leadership, leading to reduced efforts in fostering deep political understanding and sustained citizen involvement.
