POLSC101: Introduction to Political Science

2.5: Political Parties

• American Government and Politics in the Information Age, v1.0: "Chapter 10: Political Parties"

  Read this entire chapter. Though most political scholars agree that today's major political parties do not play the central role that they did in the past, they still provide important functions. While reading the chapter, think about the influence and relevance of political parties in today's political landscape. Pay close attention to the specific definition of “political parties” as outlined in this reading.

• USHistory.org: "Political Parties" Page

  Like interest groups, political parties represent another opportunity for citizens to come together in a group in order to influence politics. These are some of the most important roles of political parties:

  • Run candidates for political office and help to train and develop political leaders
    
  • Serve as a check on the power of the other party or parties
    
  • Inform the public about specific policies or opportunities for participation 
    
  • Organize the government 
    

  Political parties exist both in democracies and non-democracies. How do you think these roles change when political parties are operating in a non-democratic society? 

• 2.5.1: Two-Party vs. Multiparty Systems

  • Boundless Political Science: "Chapter 7, Section 6: Political Parties" Page

    As this article explains, there are three types of party systems: single or dominant party systems, two-party systems, and multi-party systems. One party or dominant party systems tend to be found in authoritarian or non-democratic countries, since choice is a critical element of a truly democratic society. As we will read more about in the next section, the type of electoral system used by a country can influence whether it has a two-party or multi-party system.

  • Boundless Political Science: "Chapter 7, Section 7: The Two-Party System" Page

    The U.S. is one of the few countries in the world that has a two-party system. This article explains why the U.S. has a two-party system, and explores the advantages and disadvantages of a two-party system.

  • The Moderate Voice: Aaron Astor's "What if We Really Did Have a Multiparty Democracy?" Page

    As described in the last reading, most democratic countries have a multi-party system. This article asks you to consider what the political system would be like in the U.S. if it, too, had a multi-party system. Consider the questions the author asks towards the end of the article, such as, would a true multiparty system more accurately reflect the values of American citizens?

• 2.5.2: Comparing Parties and Interest Groups

  • U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Information Programs: "Political Parties, Interest Groups, NGOs" URL

    Read this webpage for a brief overview of the role of political parties, interest groups, and NGOs (non-governmental organizations).