Political Parties

  Political parties have existed in the United States almost since the founding of the country. Political partites are considered an important part of a democratic electoral system. Initially were the Federalist, Anti-Federalists, Whigs, and etc. Now today we have a two party system consisting of Republicans and Democrats. Republicans are more conservative whereas Democrats are often more liberal. The major parties like to think of themselves as tents in which everyone is welcome if they choose to enter. As a result of the two party system, it is extremely hard for third party candidates to be taken seriously in elections. The parties provide a mechanism for governing and for brining together elected officials on the basis of their shared values, interest, and policy goals. 
   
    For elections each Party chooses a candidate that they feel will suit there ideologies and beliefs the best, while still representing the people. "Candidates as individuals represent a party platform and with the help and support of their affiliated party apparatus, they compete for public office, carry out election campaigns, and try to convince voting citizens to cast their ballot for them."(Wayne)  The platforms of each party tend to be very vague and are not often read by the public.This can sometimes mislead the public and not properly inform them about the candidates and their respected party.

   In primary elections candidates try to make their ideas more aligned with their parties' beliefs for the sake of trying to become elected. Their beliefs tend to be more radical because they want to show the people of the Party that they are strong, persistent, and the right fit for the position. Candidates do this in hope of receiving the Parties support so they can become the parties nominee. Sometimes the party members themselves hand pick who they think will best display what their party is about. Since in the Primary election the candidates are trying to appeal to their party leaders, whereas in the General election they are appealing to the people. Democrats are more liberal and for working together rather than against each other; while Republicans are more conservative. 

   Political Parties tend to get distracted on issues that are minuet compared to the big picture. Rather than work together, the parties try to fight over control of the government. Candidates from opposing parties scrutinize each other for their image rather than their beliefs. Each party uses gerrymandering in certain districts all over the states to secure victories in elections. Some districts are so one-sided that its practically impossible for the opposing party to ever gain an office position unless there was another redistricting and created a more equal turn out of Republican and Democratic voters on election day. A perfect example of that is in Alabama's First Congressional District; it has elected the Republican candidate in each election since 1964 and most likely going to repeat this coming election.(BallotPedia) At the same time the Parties know they have to adapt to the changes of each generation and passed elections in hope of gaining majority control. For example The US Chamber of Commerce, who predominantly back Republicans, is actually backing Scott Peters a Democratic rep from San Diego.(Puzzanghera) Peters was aware of the favoritism business showed towards the Republicans and decided to do something about it. He changed his appeal to fit both what the Democrats stand for while also incorporating a new twist that showed Democrats can handle businesses, too. Both parties are aware that they need to adapt to the everyday changing world, and that Democrats and Republicans one hundred years ago are vastly different from those of today. That is because of the affects the Parties have placed on its members and to the public.

Puzzanghera, Jim. "Democratic Candidates Seek Gains from Republicans' Tarnished Business Image." LA Times. January 1, 2014. Accessed October 23, 2014


"Political Parties and Candidates." Aceproject. January 1, 2009. Accessed October 24, 2014

Wayne, Stephen J. "Political Parties and Interest Groups." In Is This Any Way to Run a Democratic Election. 5th ed. CQ Press, 2013

"Alabama's 1st Congressional District Elections, 2014." Ballotpedia. Accessed October 21, 2014. http://ballotpedia.org/Alabama's_1st_Congressional_District_elections,_2014.