Unit 6: Parties and Party Systems PDF

Unit 6: Parties and Party Systems MO S H I BUDI MO TI ME L E E MAI L : MO TI ME L E MH @ UFS. AC. Z A C O NS ULTATI O N: W E D/ TH UR S 10-12. Unit Overview The aim of this learning unit is to investigate the characteristics, classifications and functions of political parties as important...

Unit 6: Parties and Party Systems MO S H I BUDI MO TI ME L E E MAI L : MO TI ME L E MH @ UFS. AC. Z A C O NS ULTATI O N: W E D/ TH UR S 10-12. Unit Overview The aim of this learning unit is to investigate the characteristics, classifications and functions of political parties as important public agents in the political system. Political parties are the vital link between the state and civil society, and also between the institutions of government and the groups that operate within society. Political parties are seen as the great tools of democracy or sources of tyranny and repression. However, a political party is the major organizing principle of modern politics.  By the end of this study unit, learners should be able to: ◦ Examine the role and significance of political parties; Learning ◦ Classify the different types of Outcomes political parties; ◦ Analyse the central ical functions of political parties; and ◦ Distinguish and evaluate the major party systems.  Unit completion check-list: ◦ I have read the chapter applicable to this unit in the prescribed book: Unit Heywood, A. 2019. Politics. 5th Completion Edition. New York: Palgrave, Checklist Chapter 11: pp. 244 – 268. ◦ I have attended all class lectures for this unit ◦ I have attended the tutorial classes INTRODUCTION Political Parties are found in most countries and most political systems. Emerge as a result of political modernization in the 19th century. They differ very much in terms of political persuasion – democratic/authoritarian; means through which they attain power - elections/revolution and ideologies that they espouse – left, centre, right etc Throughout the years there dominance has risen and dropped depending on the nature of world politics at the time (military rule …wave of democracy.). Edmund Burke: “a body of men united…upon some particular principle upon which they all agree”. Modern day parties first emerged in the USA. Cadre and mass parties Representative and Integrative parties. Constitutional and Revolutionary parties. Types of Party Left-wing and Right-wing parties. Mainstream and populist parties.  Cadre & mass parties: Cadre party – rely on politically active elite that is capable of offering ideological leadership to the masses. Mass party – heavy emphasis on broadening membership and constructing a wide electoral base. Heavy stress on recruitment and organisation than ideology. Representative & Integrative: Representative – primary function securing votes in elections, reflect rather than shape public opinion. Integrative – adopt proactive political strategies; mobilise educate and inspire the masses. Constitutional & Revolutionary: Constitutional – acknowledge the rights and entitlements of other parties; operate within a framework of rules and constraints. Revolutionary – anti-systems/anti-constitutional parties; aim to seize power and overthrow the existing constitutional structure using tactics that range from insurrection to quasi- legalism.  Types of Parties continued Left wing & Right wing: Left wing – progressive, socialist and communist parties; traditionally drawn support from the poor and disadvantaged. Right wing – conservative and fascist, upholding existing social order. Mainstream & Populist: Mainstream – conventional/traditional parties that broadly accept the constitutional status quo. Populist – challenge the authority of the political establishment and claim that the only legitimate source of political and moral authority lies with the people. Functions of Representation Elite Formation and Recruitment Goal Formulation Parties Interest articulation Socialisation and Organisation of and aggregation Mobilisation Government  Functions of Parties Representation: respond to and articulate the the views of members and voters. Elite Formation and Recruitment: provide states with their political leaders creating powerful politicians. Goal Formulation: means through which societies set collective goals and ensure that they are carried out. Interest articulation and aggregation: help to articulate and aggregate the carious interests found in society. Socialization and Mobilization: through internal debate and discussion, campaigning and electoral competition, most important agents of political education and socialization. Organization of government: help with the formation of governments, and give a degree of stability and coherence. PARTY SYSTEMS ONE-PARTY SYSTEMS TWO-PARTY SYSTEMS DOMINANT-PARTY SYSTEMS MULTIPARTY SYSTEMS