Party Organization

Party Organization

The Four Main Elements • 1. National Convention – Nominates the candidate – Presents the platform

2. National Committee • Handles the business of the party between Conventions(held only in year of presidential election)

3. National Chairperson • Leader of the national committee • Chosen after a convention by the candidate nominated, ratified by the national committee

4. Congressional Campaign Committees • Both parties have one in congress • Job is to reelect incumbents • Win back seats of representatives that are retiring

Decentralized Organization • Party not in power lacks a strong leader • Federalism causes division of power in politics

• Nominating process encourages competition and divisiveness

Possible causes for eventual fall of parties • Growing number of independents • Split-Ticket Voting • Changes in technology and advertising • Growth of single-issue candidates