Political Parties and Systems Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a distinguishing feature of cadre parties?

They appeal mainly to working-class voters.

They have a weak organizational structure.

They focus on increasing party membership.

They rely on a politically active elite. (correct)

How do mass parties differ from catch-all parties in terms of their electoral market?

Catch-all parties target specific social groups.

Only mass parties require strong party organization.

Mass parties operate in a closed electoral market. (correct)

Both have an open electoral market.

Which type of political party emphasizes issue-voting rather than ideology or identity?

Revolutionary party

Catch-all party (correct)

Cadre party

Mass party

What is the primary function of representative parties?

To secure votes in elections. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of party organization strength, how do mass parties compare to catch-all parties?

Mass parties have strong organization, while catch-all parties are weak. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is true of mass parties regarding their connection to their voters?

They prioritize class or denomination as their partisan base. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the approach mass parties take toward electoral campaigning?

Emphasis on strong party organization. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of both representative and integrative parties?

They aim at consolidating political power. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of integrative parties?

They hope to inspire and educate the masses Signup and view all the answers

Which type of party operates within a framework of rules and recognizes other parties' rights?

Constitutional parties Signup and view all the answers

What type of political spectrum organizes ideologies based on both left-right and progressive-conservative dimensions?

Two-dimensional political spectrum Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is identified as a characteristic of mainstream parties?

They operate within established political rules Signup and view all the answers

In a party system classified as a dominant party system, what is the nature of party competition?

Several parties exist but one remains dominant Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of parties aim to seize power and disrupt the current political structure?

Revolutionary parties Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a two-party system from a multiparty system?

Dominance of two competing parties with limited alternatives Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about rational choice theory is correct?

Politicians behave as rationally motivated power-seekers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Parties and Party Systems

A political party is a group of people organized to win government power, usually with ideological cohesion.
Various classifications exist for political parties, with prominent types including: cadre and mass parties, representative and integrative parties, constitutional and revolutionary parties, and left-wing/right-wing and mainstream/populist parties.

Cadre Parties

Often referred to as "parties of notables," these parties are characterized by their reliance on a politically active elite.
This elite, frequently disciplined in a quasi-military manner, offers ideological leadership to the masses.
A modern example includes the Chinese Communist Party.

Mass Parties

Prioritize expanding membership and building a broad electoral base.
Typically aim to appeal to working-class voters, like the UK Labour Party (an example.)

Mass Party vs Catch-All Party (Kircheimer, 1966)

Feature	Mass Party	Catch-All Party
Objective	Increase party membership	Increase votes
Organization	Strong	Weak
Partisan Base	Class, denomination	All social groups
Connection	Strong connection	Weak connection
Campaign	Party ideology/identity	Mass communication, issue-voting
Electoral Market	Closed	Open

Types of Party According to Neumann (1956)

Representative parties: Their primary role is securing votes in elections, aiming to reflect rather than shape public opinion. Politicians are often seen as power-seeking (rational choice theory).
Integrative parties: They actively engage with the public, aiming to mobilize, educate, and inspire the masses, rather than simply responding to their concerns. The strategy is proactively building support.

Constitutional Parties

Accept the rights and entitlements of other parties, operating within existing rules and constraints.

Revolutionary Parties

These parties are anti-establishment, aiming to overthrow existing constitutional structures. They may be on the far-left or far-right.

Linear and Horseshoe Political Spectrum

A linear spectrum depicts a progressive political range from Communism to Fascism (with Socialism and Liberalism in between).
A horseshoe spectrum, on the other hand, visually represents the idea that extremes (Communism and Fascism) are closer together than they are to the more moderate viewpoints.

Two-Dimensional Political Spectrum

This spectrum plots political ideologies according to two axes: social liberalism/conservatism versus economic liberalism/conservatism..
Includes examples of various political ideologies, like Stalinism and Anarcho-capitalism, positioned according to where they fall on these dimensions.

Mainstream Parties

They generally accept the existing constitutional order and adhere to established political norms.

Niche Parties

These are parties or groups focused on particular issues or policy areas. Some examples might be populist or anti-party parties.

Party Systems

A party system is a stable relationship between political parties, influenced by numbers, size, and ideological leanings. It's based on the number of competing parties for power:
- One-Party Systems: One party holds power (e.g., China).
- Two-Party Systems: Two dominant parties contend (e.g., United States).
- Dominant Party Systems: One party holds substantial power, but other parties may exist (e.g., Liberal Democratic Party in Japan).
- Multiparty Systems: Many parties compete for power (e.g., Germany).

Crisis of Party Politics

Clear decline in political parties' influence as agents of representation.
The crisis appears tied to mainstream or mass parties, reflecting broader anti-political sentiment.
Possible explanations include concerns about the oligarchical and corrupted nature of these parties, with leaders and parties seen as removed from the public.

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Description

This quiz explores the definitions and classifications of political parties, including cadre and mass parties. It also discusses the characteristics of these parties and their roles in electoral politics. Test your understanding of party systems and their ideological coherence with this quiz.