Political Parties Flashcards
How do functions of political parties vary?
The importance of particular functions of political parties varies depending on whether the state is authoritarian or democratic. They also vary depending on the type of party i.e. populist parties are concerned with over-throwing the existing political system rather than legitimising it.
Party families
Parties can be organised in order to make more meaningful comparisons. Beyme categorised parties into 9 general programmatic orientations.
Liberal or radical political parties
A party family categorised by Beyme.
They stand for equal and legal political rights, as well as free trade.
Conservative political parties
A party family categorised by Beyme.
Traditionally in favour of hierarchy and nationalism, however recently some have veered towards more radical, neo-liberal, free market economies.
Christian Democracy political parties
A party family categorised by Beyme.
A Catholic influenced way between liberalism and socialism. They endorsed traditional authority relations (i.e. woman should stay at home and look after children) whilst still accepting a significant role for state-provided welfare.
Socialist political parties
A party family categorised by Beyme.
Predominantly support workers rights. Advocate state welfare systems but unlike communists they accept the need to maintain market economies.
Communist political parties
A party family categorised by Beyme.
They believe that the state should control all aspects of society. Heavy on party discipline and loyalties.
Regional political parties
A party family categorised by Beyme.
They want to establish their own states. They are becoming increasingly popular in Europe. The Lega Nord party in Italy has been particularly successful as it has participated in some government coalitions.
Environmental political parties
A party family categorised by Beyme. They emerge from interest groups. They tend to be supported by younger and middle class voters. They are skeptical of free markets, and are based on consensus based decision making and social justice.
Nationalist political parties
A party family categorised by Beyme.
Such parties sought to establish their national values. They value the interests of the whole nation rather than aspects of it.
Islamic political parties
A party family categorised by Beyme.
They are a recent development because of the authoritarian nature of many Islamic regimes in the middle east.
What are the 2 original phases of party formation?
- First, like-minded, elected representatives cooperate with each other to pass legislation.
- Then, parties begin to structure the vote in popular elections.
However this is not set in stone as for most countries these 2 stages were combined. For the cases of Britain and the US, it is possible to separate the 2 stages. Instead of looking at the emergence of parties chronologically, it would be more accurate to look at emergence in terms of them fulfilling functions that they previously did not.
Advantages of party formation
- Groups of like-minded representatives simplify negotiations - less time consuming
- ‘log-rolling’ can occur
- Groups are easier to hold to account than individuals
- Groups provide greater predictability - Aldrich: the USA benefited from this by the Third Congress in 1793.
- Party organisation increases public vote (education in politics). The combined effect of the Democrats and the Whig Party meant that voting in the USA was at 78% by 1840 (Aldrich)
- Parties provide unending debate, criticism means policy is considered more thoroughly and is more likely to be effective.
Aldrich on emergence of parties in the USA
The emergence of the Democratic party in 1828 is the first example of a party emerging in support of candidates for elections. Andrew Jackson’s support helped him win the election.
What is a political party?
A political party is an organised group of like-minded people that aim to win government power. They have a formal membership and consist of people who share the same political preferences.
Cadre parties
‘Cadre’ refers to trained and professional party members who show a high level of political discipline and commitment. They have strict political criteria i.e. the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
Mass Parties
Mass parties have emphasis on broadened membership. There is more focus on recruitment rather than ideology. General agreement about principles i.e. German Social Democratic Party.
Otto Kirchheimer on ‘catch-all’ parties
Catch-all parties reduce ideological baggage to appeal to the largest possible number of voters. They are slightly different to mass parties as they focus on leadership rather than individual party members. They don’t focus on a specific social class i.e. Republicans and Democrats in the US.
Sigmund Newmann on party classification
Sigmund Newmann classified political parties in terms of representative and integrative parties.
Representative parties adopt a catch all strategy by reflecting their policies on public opinion to get votes.
Integrative parties are proactive; they aim to educate and inspire, rather than merely respond to concerns. They aim to win people over.
Anthony Downs on representative parties
Anthony Downs criticised representative parties as he argued that these politicians are power-seeking and will adopt whatever policies will bring them success.
Constitutional parties
Constitutional parties operate within a framework of rules and restraints. They respect the difference between the state and the party in power.
Revolutionary parties
Revolutionary parties are anti-constitutional. They aim to seize power and overthrow constitutional structure. They become the ruling party when in power i.e. Nazis and Fascists.
Left-wing parties
Left-wing parties are progressive, socialist and communist. They traditionally represent the poor and disadvantaged and aim to bring about change.
Right-wing parties
Right-wing parties are conservative and fascist. They maintain social order and are interested in business. They represent the middle class.
