Political Parties Overview

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.

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.