Political Parties

Functions of political parties

· Recruiting and nominating candidates

· Educating the electorate about campaign issues

· Helping candidates win elections

· Monitoring actions of officeholders

Similarities between parties

· Organize to win elections

· Influence public policies

· Reflect both liberal and conservative views

· Define themselves in a way that wins majority support by appealing to the political center

Differences between parties

· Stated in a party's platform and reflected in campaigning

Third parties

· Introduce new ideas or press for a particular issue

Often revolve around a political personality (e.g., Theodore Roosevelt)