Political Parties Flashcards
Democratic Party Platform (2012)
Moving America Forward - Endorsed full equality for women, a right to an abortion “regardless of ability to pay,” same-sex marriage, regulation on gun ownership, raising the minimum wage, affordable healthcare for all, renewable energy, protection of civil liberties, and the importance of maintaining international alliances.
Democratic Factions - Congressional Progressive Caucus
69 declared members (2014) - on the left of the Democratic Party - advocates for economic justice, protection of civil liberties, promotion of global peace, and protection of the environment as its key aims - also favours universally affordable healthcare, increased welfare spending and progressive taxation.
Democratic Factions - New Democratic Coalition
46 declared House members - composed of Clinton-style centrists, advocating pragmatic public policy. Often accuse overly progressive Democrats of damaging the party’s electability. Criticised from the left for failing to properly address issues of social justice and poverty. It has been suggested that some in the caucus are merely closeted Blue Dogs, wishing to avoid the DINO label.
Democratic Factions - Blue Dog Coalition
14 declared members, traditionally strongest in the South. The most conservative grouping of Democrats - tend to be pro-life, pro-gun and fiscally conservative. Members are often labelled “DINOs” - Democrats In Name Only. Since 1995, 8 Blue Dogs have switched allegiances to the GOP.
Decline of the Blue Dogs
Prior to the 2010 midterms, the group had 54 members - this was more than halved to 26 after those elections. Further fell to 14 in 2012, due to a combination of primary challenges from liberal Democrats and general election defeats, though 5 joined before the next election. Fell again to 14 after the 2014 midterms. Often run in states whose legislature is controlled by the GOP, and as such can be targeted by Gerrymandering - e.g. Georgia Democrat John Barrow, who was the Blue Dogs’ co-chair until his defeat in 2014, forced to move house 3 times to stay in his district.
Democratic Internal Divisions
Left: Elizabeth Warren - Senator for Massachusetts - has spoken out in favour of a more progressive tax system and greater regulation of Wall Street banks. Has pushed for legislation allowing for cheaper student loans. Pushed for improved LGBT rights, greater access to affordable healthcare, and a transition to renewable energy.
Right: Henry Cuellar - Representative for Texas, member of Blue Dogs. Pro-gun and pro-life, advocates for bipartisan legislation.
Democratic Interest Groups - Democratic Leadership Council
Founded in 1985, offering a centrist alternative to the party’s increasingly left-wing policies. Was very influential during the Clinton presidency, but has since declined - Obama specifically distanced himself from the group, which dissolved in 2011. Evidence of the decline of centrism in the party.
Democratic Interest Groups - EMILY’s List
Pro-choice PAC which has worked to elect 100 pro-choice Dem women to the House, 19 to the Senate, and 10 governors since 1985, most notably in 1992, which was dubbed “The Year of the Woman” by media figures. This has coincided with party policy - 2012 platform explicitly endorsed Roe v. Wade.
Democratic Interest Groups - MoveOn.org
Both a research group and a PAC, which donates to candidates it identifies as “progressive.” Successfully encouraged all Democratic presidential primary candidates to boycott a debate on Fox News.
Democratic Interest Groups - Centre for American Progress
More centrist group, though not necessarily to the extent of the DLC. Chairman John Podesta was instrumental in the formation of the Obama administration - evidence for the enduring influence of centrism.
Evidence for Excessive Democratic Partisanship
According to Gallup polls, 29% of Democratic voters identify as pro-life, compared to less than 3% of Congressional Democrats - not enough ideological diversity in the party to aptly represents its voters.
Obama - Progressivism
- Obamacare achieved near-universal affordable healthcare
- Fiscal Stimulus (2009) showed fiscal progressivism - spent $831bn, sustaining 2.1m private sector jobs.
- Dodd-Frank Act (2010) increased federal regulation of financial institutions
- Executive Order on immigration (2014) granted temporary legal status to 5m illegal immigrants
- Executive order to raise minimum wage for federal contractors to $10.10 (2014)
Obama - Pragmatism
- Extended the Hyde Amendment to ensure that no Obamacare subsidies were used to fund abortions - done in order to secure support of Blue Dog Bart Stupak.
- Compromises with House GOP during gov’t shutdown (2013) - resulted in spending cuts, and fiscal cliff (2013).
- Failure to close Guantanamo Bay
HOWEVER some contend that any perceived centrism on his part in a result of an inflexible Republican Congress - e.g. strongly advocated increased gun control, which was defeated with universal opposition for the GOP - “shame on us.”
Bush - Conservative
- In general, taxes were reduced
- Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act (2003) restricted Roe v. Wade
- Opposed gay marriage
Bush - Not That Conservative
Domestic government spending ballooned - Medicare Modernisation Act (2003) increased Medicare spending by $531bn, TARP (2008) bailed out Wall Street banks at a cost of $450bn. Overall, federal spending increased by 88%, although much of this may be attributed to the expense of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan - nevertheless, domestic spending increased as a percentage of GDP by 5.5% - under Clinton it fell by 0.8%. No Child Left Behind (2001) greatly increased the influence of the federal gov’t over the education system.
GOP Party Platform (2012)
We Believe in America - supports a pro-life amendment to the Constitution, as well as one to enforce a balanced budget each year, and another to outlaw same-sex marriage. Opposes tax increases and restrictions on campaign finance. Strongly favours 2nd amendment rights, and the repeal of Obamacare.
Republican Factions - Republican Study Committee
170 declared members in the House - 73% of House Republicans are members (2014). Pushes for cuts in gov’t spending - has proposed an alternative budget in every year since 1995. Favour a limited role for the federal gov’t, and support 2nd amendment rights, as well as “traditional family values.”
Republican Factions - Main Street Partnership
69 declared members (65 in the House) - pursue a pragmatic, centrist agenda, and are “open to bipartisan legislative results.” Represents the party’s moderate wing.
Republican Factions - Liberty Caucus
36 declared members - a group of libertarian Republicans - very much on the right of the GOP, as evidenced by the fact that its founding members found the RSC to be too moderate. Call for significant cuts in spending and taxation, as well as strict protection of personal freedoms.
Republican Factions - Tea Party
Highly socially and fiscally conservative - founded in 2010 after the success of the tea party movement, which advocated a far smaller role for the federal government. Focused much of its energy into opposing Obamacare. Was, at its height (60 members), considered a powerful force in Congress, but has not met in around 2 years and is generally considered defunct.
Decline of the Tea Party
GOP leadership decided that it was not in its interests to maintain the group, which was seen as coming into conflict with the party’s rebranding effort. Michele Bachmann’s train-wreck campaign for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012 severely damaged the group’s image. Several high-profile members, e.g. Sens. Rand Paul and Marco Rubio have been accused of “selling out” to the GOP - both are considered presidential hopefuls, which may have influenced their decision. However, still shows signs of life - backed candidate David Brat defeated senior incumbent House Majority Leader (the first time a sitting majority leader has ever been defeated in a primary) Eric Cantor in a primary challenge in 2014, in spite of the fact that Cantor had a very conservative voting record - damaged by a picture of him talking to Obama.
Republican Internal Divisions
Left: Susan Collins - Senator for Maine. Member of the Main Street Partnership. Favours environmental protection, is pro-choice, and is endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBT rights group - voted in favour of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act (2010). At times, her voting record has been centre-left, leading to the application of the label “RINO.” In the minority in the GOP.
Right: Ted Cruz - Senator for Texas. Pro-life, except when there is a danger to the life of the mother. Opposes same-sex marriage, strongly supports gun rights - threatened to filibuster any gun control bill in the aftermath of Sandy Hook. Endorsed by Tea Party Express and Heritage Foundation. Filibustered a vote on the budget for Obamacare during the 2013 shutdown for 21 hours - 4th longest speech in history. Opposed any bipartisan compromise to end the shutdown - conduct criticised by Senate leader Mitch McConnell.
Republican Interest Groups - Heritage Foundation
Founded in 1973 in order to promote conservative public policies - advocate for “free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values and a strong national defence.” Gained prominence during Reagan’s presidency. In 2013, warned that they would finance primary challenges against Republicans who voted in favour of the compromise on the gov’t shutdown. Has strong links with the RSC - on the right of the GOP.
Republican Interest Groups - Tea Party Express
Ultra-conservative group, opposing the expansion of the federal government and increased spending. Has funded successful primary challenges against moderate Republicans, e.g. Michael Castle defeated by Christine O’Donnell in a primary for Delaware’s Senate seat. However, have limited success in general elections - O’Donnell lost in 2010, and in 2012, only 4 of 16 candidates they backed won their elections. Associated with controversial “fringe candidates” - e.g. in 2012, Todd Akin made comments about pregnancy in cases of “legitimate rape,” and Richard Mourdock called pregnancy arising from rape “a gift from God.” Both lost.
Republican Interest Groups - Republican Majority for Choice
Formed in 2004, in response to polls which showed that 73% of GOP voters believe that decisions regarding an abortion should be made between a woman and her doctor. Also argues in favour of stem cell research. Come into direct opposition with the Republican National Coalition for Life.
Mitt Romney - Governor of Massachusetts
When campaigning in 2002, called himself “someone who is…moderate,” and said he would “preserve and protect a woman’s right to choose.” Held a ceremony to celebrate the passage of a bipartisan healthcare bill, in which he introduced left-leaning Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy as his “collaborator and friend.” Cut 603 people from the state’s payroll - however, William Weld, a predecessor of his, cut 7700. Raised $128m in new taxes from corporations by closing loopholes.
Mitt Romney - Presidential Candidate
Described himself as a “severe conservative” in order to appease the Tea Party wing of the GOP, which was rampant at the time - this came in contrast to his relatively moderate gubernatorial record. Picked reliable social and fiscal conservative Paul Ryan as his running mate. Promised to follow the GOP party platform, as well as to introduce sweeping tax cuts. Evidence of the dominance of the extreme right in the GOP - any candidate who hints at moderacy will be subject to primary challenges. N.b. his campaign was also harmed by concerns that he would use the presidency to advance the interests of the Mormon church, which was widely perceived to be corrupt/untrustworthy.
Groups that tend to vote Democrat (2012 percentage)
Blacks (93%), Hispanics (71%), Asians (73%), Jews (69%), Atheists (70%), City-dwellers (69% - big cities, 58% - mid-sized cities), Young people (Lead in all brackets up to the age of 40), LGBT (76%), Poor people (63% - family income under $30k, 57% - $30-50k), Women (55% - esp. unmarried - 67%)
Groups that tend to vote Republican (2012 percentage)
Men (52%, esp. married - 60%), Whites (59%), Protestants (56%), Southerners (54%), Rural people (61%), Church-goers (more than once a week - 63%), Old people (lead in all brackets over 40), Rich people (lead in all brackets over $50k)
Arguments for Party Decline - Presidential Candidate Selection
The widespread use of primaries and caucuses means that decision-making power is devolved from the DNC/RNC to the populace.
Arguments for Party Decline - Candidate-Centred Campaigns
American voters are often issue-voters - will often choose a candidate based on their stance on a particular issue that is important to them (e.g. John Barrow, gun rights). Split-ticket voting has increased.
Arguments for Party Decline - Media
Parties no longer communicate with voters directly through rallies, etc - instead, individual candidates communicate in the media.
Arguments for Party Decline - Pressure Groups
Some argue that pressure groups offer a more attractive means of ideological representation than the parties - e.g. grassroots movements - Tea Party, Occupy.
Arguments for Party Decline - Ideological Diversity
The Dems and the GOP are still diverse parties, internally divided on many issues - see earlier cards.
Arguments against Party Decline - Dominance of Two Parties
Almost all elected officials are either Democrats or Republicans - suggests a high level of stability, and that those two parties remain important.
Arguments against Party Decline - Super Delegates
The parties have tried to regain control over the primary process by introducing super delegates - usually current or retired lawmakers, whose vote will carry a greater weighting than that of a state’s ordinary delegates. E.g. in 2008, the Supers could have swung the Clinton/Obama decision - will always carry influence in close races.
Arguments against Party Decline - Nat’lised Election Campaigns
Parties have begun to punish front-loading - e.g. Dems halved the value of Florida’s votes in 2008. The use of party platforms, along with the expectations placed on candidates to adhere to them, has grown significantly.
Arguments against Party Decline - Partisanship
Increasingly, representatives tend to vote in party blocs, clearly showing that party labels carry importance - e.g. no Republican voted in favour of Obamacare.
Arguments against Party Decline - Polarisation
Since the 1970s, the parties have become more internally cohesive, whilst moving apart from one another (see previous cards).
Libertarian Party
Promotes the idea of negative freedom - freedom from infringement upon personal rights by the government. Policy suggestions include allowing for an opt-out from social security, abolishment of welfare, drug legalisation, and support for 2nd Amendment rights. Gary Johnson got 1% of the vote in 2012.
Green Party
Founded on the principles of Ecological Wisdom, Social and Economic Justice, Grassroots Democracy and Nonviolence. Well leftward of the Democrats on the political spectrum. Jill Stein got 0.4% of the vote in 2012.
Constitution Party
Asserts that the US is a Christian nation, founded on the Judeo-Christian principles found in the Bible. Advocates a platform reflecting the principles set forth in the original Constitutional documents. Very much on the right of the political spectrum, along with an authoritarian stance on social issues.
Spoiler Effect
Although third-party candidates virtually never actually win elections, they may nevertheless have an impact on the outcome - e.g. in the incredibly close 2000 election, it is argued that Gore would have won if Green Party candidate Ralph Nader had not stood and won 3% of the vote - instead of ending up with a very pro-environment Democrat, the Presidency instead went to the climate change denying bastard that is GWB.
Barriers to Third Parties - Electoral System
First-past-the-post is used in all US elections, which is particularly bad for parties whose support is evenly spread - e.g. Ross Perot (1992) got 19% of the vote but no ECVs. Candidates with concentrated support may be more successful, e.g. segregationist George Wallace won 5 states in 1968.
Barriers to Third Parties - Ballot Access Laws
Some states have restrictive regulations regarding ballot access - e.g. in Montana, a party must get signatures from 5% of the population to appear on the ballot.
Barriers to Third Parties - Two Party Dominance
If a minor party gains momentum, one of the major parties may opt to adjust its own platform to incorporate that party’s views - e.g. Democrats have been more receptive to environmental issues since the rise of the Greens in the early 2000s. This reduces the appeal of the minor party.
Barriers to Third Parties - Media Coverage
There is very little - the 2012 Third Party TV Debate was not covered by any major network. It is difficult for third parties to make electoral progress without publicity.
Barriers to Third Parties - Campaign Finance
In addition to the fact that donors will only tend to back a candidate who has a realistic chance of winning, a party must get 5% of the vote in order to qualify for federal “matching funds” - this is where the government matches the first $250 of any individual donation.
The New Deal - Social Security Act
1935 - federal gov’t took responsibility for the economic security of the aged, temporarily unemployed and the disabled.
The New Deal - National Labour Relations Act
1935 - guaranteed workers the right to collective bargaining through membership of the union of their choice.
The New Deal - Spending Increases
Gov’t spending in 1929 - 3% of GDP
Gov’t spending in 1944 - 40% of GDP (obviously influenced by WWII but still indicative of increased domestic spending)
The New Deal - Fair Labour Standards Act
1938 - Set max. length of working week (44 hours) and a minimum wage (25 cents/hour). Forbade employment of under-16s.
The Great Society - Elementary and Secondary Education Act
1965 - significantly increased federal funding (and therefore influence) of the education system.
The Great Society - Social Security Act
1965 - established Medicare and Medicaid.
Evidence for the Rightward Shift in the GOP
Vermont Senator Jim Jeffords left the GOP in 2001 to become an independent, and began caucusing with the Democrats. He stated that “I understand that there are many people more conservative than I am, and they form the Republican Party.” Specifically was concerned with the size of Bush’s tax cuts. Indicative of the decline of the moderate Northern Republican. In 2013, former Presidential candidate Bob Dole claimed that neither he or his predecessors Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon would be able to win the GOP nomination today, as they are not conservative enough.
