POLS 1101 Lecture 9: Parties, Participation, & Elections I
6 Jul 2018
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Document Summary
People usually stick with their parties, regardless of candidate. Extreme polarization between parties, not enough common ground. Organized groups of like-minded people that want to influence politics by getting their candidates in office. Forms from within the government (in a particular party or across parties), more common and organic bc/ people within the government already have power. Politicians outside of government try to organize popular support to win government power, much more difficult bc/ it"s like starting from zero. Looking for quality candidates name recognition, leadership skills, money, policy. Agenda consistent with party"s, history of public service, clean history, etc . Primary elections - open primary (don"t have to be registered as a party member to vote for party"s nominee) vs. closed primary (must be registered as a party member) Party leaders and donors have the most power. Parties serve as a shortcut or heuristic for helping people choose what/who to vote for.
