Lecture 12
Parties: Why So Weak? Why So Few?

I. Introduction: Two Questions

A. Causes

1. Why does the U.S. have a two-party, weak party system?

 

B. Consequences

1. What effect does a two-party, weak-party system have on political activity?

 

II. Characteristics of Strong versus Weak Party Systems (McDonalds versus Mexican Restaurants)

Strong

Weak

 

Responsible Party Model (Plebescitary)

Parties as Loose Coalitions of Groups (Pluralist)

 

Common Platform

Diversity of views

 

Candidates from party run as a team

Candidates run separately

 

party discipline in legislatures

low level of discipline

 

party voting

split-ticketing

 

unified national party

regional diversity

 

III. Pros and Cons of Strong and Weak (Consequences)

A. Advantages of strong

1. makes it easy for voters to choose (plebescitary)

2. voters know what they're getting

3. more effectively mobilizes voters

4. easier to hold government accountable

5. coherent government program

B. Advantages of weak

1. voters get more choice by splitting tickets

2. regional diversity is expressed (not like McDonalds)

3. decentralizes power; party leaders aren't dominant

IV. Why So Weak? (Causes)

A. Separation of Powers

B. Federalism

V. Getting Weaker?

A. PIE (Parties in the electorate)--not lately!

B. PO (Parties as organizations)--no!

C. PIG (Parties in government)--no!

 

VI. Pros and Cons of Two Party System (Consequences)

A. Advantages

1. Brings large nation together under one banner (big parties for big countries!)

2. More coherent government because elaborate multi-party coalitions unnecessary

3. Hinders political extremists

 

B. Disadvantages

1. Choice is sharply restricted

2. May reduce participation

3. Can't easily handle multiple issue dimensions

4. In theory, pushes parties toward fuzzy center

a. In practice, parties currently appear to be less centrist than Americans

VII. Why Only Two? (Causes)

A. Duverger's law

B. Other possible causes