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Questions and Answers
What is one potential consequence of declining party membership?
What is one potential consequence of declining party membership?
Which of the following is NOT a form of regulation that political parties are subject to?
Which of the following is NOT a form of regulation that political parties are subject to?
What challenge do political parties face in terms of public perception?
What challenge do political parties face in terms of public perception?
Which alternative to traditional political parties is suggested in the context of contemporary political challenges?
Which alternative to traditional political parties is suggested in the context of contemporary political challenges?
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What solution is suggested for parties to reconnect with the public?
What solution is suggested for parties to reconnect with the public?
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What is a defining characteristic of mass parties?
What is a defining characteristic of mass parties?
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Which type of party emerged from the transformation of mass parties during the 20th century?
Which type of party emerged from the transformation of mass parties during the 20th century?
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What is a feature of cartel parties in the last quarter of the 20th century?
What is a feature of cartel parties in the last quarter of the 20th century?
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What distinguishes anti-cartel parties from traditional parties?
What distinguishes anti-cartel parties from traditional parties?
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What is the primary characteristic of light parties?
What is the primary characteristic of light parties?
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Which feature is characteristic of parties in the United States?
Which feature is characteristic of parties in the United States?
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Regarding party membership, which form is NOT one of the types mentioned?
Regarding party membership, which form is NOT one of the types mentioned?
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What measurement does NOT typically apply to assessing party membership?
What measurement does NOT typically apply to assessing party membership?
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What distinguishes parties of intra-parliamentary origin from those of extra-parliamentary origin?
What distinguishes parties of intra-parliamentary origin from those of extra-parliamentary origin?
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Which function of political parties best describes their role in linking citizens to the government?
Which function of political parties best describes their role in linking citizens to the government?
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Which element is NOT typically included in definitions of political parties?
Which element is NOT typically included in definitions of political parties?
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What is a primary characteristic of cadre/elite parties?
What is a primary characteristic of cadre/elite parties?
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Which function of parties involves the formulation of policy propositions?
Which function of parties involves the formulation of policy propositions?
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What is one way political parties help integrate new citizens into political life?
What is one way political parties help integrate new citizens into political life?
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Which group primarily influenced the establishment of intra-parliamentary parties historically?
Which group primarily influenced the establishment of intra-parliamentary parties historically?
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What is the significance of extra-parliamentary parties in the context of political participation?
What is the significance of extra-parliamentary parties in the context of political participation?
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Study Notes
Political Parties
- Definitions vary, but most combine objective, methods (electoral and governing), role in competition, and role in democracy.
- Earlier parties were often intra-parliamentary, succeeding in controlling the executive and rising parliamentary government.
- Extra-parliamentary parties emerged to organize previously excluded groups (before universal suffrage). More recently, they include entrepreneurs.
- Intra- vs. extra-parliamentary parties differ in timing (extra came later), organization, and social basis (e.g., upper classes for intra, middle/lower classes for extra)
Function of Parties
- Coordination: bridge between government/parliament and sub-national levels, and between government and society. Acts as a link between citizens and government.
- Contesting Elections: Provide candidates, conduct campaigns, and formulate policy proposals.
- Recruitment/Selection: Recruit and select candidates to fill positions effectively. Integrate new citizens into political life.
- Representation: Represent the electorate, social groups, and ideologies.
Models of Party Organization
- Cadre/Elite Parties: Earliest modern parties (restricted suffrage), central office less important, focusing on mobilizing existing constituencies.
- Mass Parties: Second half of the 19th century (extra-parliamentary origins). Represent a group/class and build on existing organizations (e.g., unions). Extensive organization, dominated by elites.
- Catch-All Parties: Evolved from mass parties, increasing importance to reach across group boundaries, with weaker ideological focus and lessening connection to interest organizations. Attempt to represent diverse social classes and ideologies.
- Cartel Parties: Under pressure due to public debt (20th century). Featured agencies of the state, professionalization, and protection from risks.
Anti-Cartel Parties
- Frustration with 'mainstream' parties.
- Organized around ideas rather than social groups (e.g., "left libertarian", "new right").
- Identified as specific 'movements' (e.g., "5 stars" in Italy).
Light Parties
- Created by individuals, mobilizing short-term support at election time (purpose-built).
- Example: "Forza Italia" of Berlusconi.
Parties in the US
- Features of cadre parties; weak central organization focused on individuals.
- "Registrants", affiliated people rather than members.
- Candidate selection involves state-regulated primary elections.
- Party leaders have limited control (e.g., Trump's relative lack of popularity amongst Republicans).
- Majority of campaign funds controlled by candidates.
Membership
- Modern parties often claim to have membership organizations.
- Membership can be individual or affiliated (e.g., trade union).
- Different methods for measuring membership (number of members, ratio to electorate, organizational density)
- Membership rates vary across countries.
Regulation and Finances
- Parties face increasing legal regulations, defining their roles in society and democracy.
- Regulations involve (restrictions on total spending, spending targets (bans), disclosure of spending, limits on fundraising contributions, restrictions on contributions sources, public funding/subventions).
Conclusion and Open Questions
- Parties face challenges like declining membership and identification, increased reliance on state contributions/competing organizations, and declining trustworthiness.
- Solutions include reconnection with citizens, adjusted expectations, and rebranding/personnel changes.
- Questions exist about the need for democratic forms and indicators of party crises.
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Description
This quiz delves into the definitions and functions of political parties, highlighting the differences between intra- and extra-parliamentary parties. It examines their roles in coordinating government actions, contesting elections, and recruiting candidates. Test your knowledge of how parties operate within a democracy.
