Heimlich's History: How Political Parties Change Over Time

Learning Objective

• Explain why and how political parties change and adapt.

Political Parties as Linkage Institutions

• Previously discussed how parties facilitate political engagement.
• Platforms of Democratic and Republican parties have evolved over time.

Changes in Party and Candidate Dynamics

• Candidate-Centered Politics: Shift from party-centered to candidate-centered politics.
  • New media technology enables direct interaction between candidates and supporters.
  • Weakens party's role in nominating candidates.
  • Critics argue it can create factions within the party.
  • Some political scientists see benefits, particularly for underrepresented opinion champions.

Evolution of Party Platforms

• Parties alter platforms over time to appeal to broader electorates.
• Changes do not contradict the party's larger ideology but shift emphasis.
• Coalitions: Demographic groups that influence election outcomes.
  • Parties aim to appeal to different coalitions (e.g., millennials, retirees, evangelical Christians).
  • Candidate topics reflect the coalitions they wish to attract.

Changes in Party Structure

1. Party Realignment

• Occurs after significant electoral defeats.
• Example: Democrat victories in 1932 & 1936 led Republicans to realign priorities.
• Realignment can be top-down or bottom-up.
  • Example: Shift of Black Americans to Democratic Party in 1920s due to civil rights and economic policies.

2. Changes in Campaign Finance Laws

• Since 1970s, laws and Supreme Court decisions have altered funding to candidates and parties.

3. Changes in Communication and Data Management

• Advancements in technology enhance data mining and election strategies.
• 2012 Presidential Election Examples:
  • Project Orca (Mitt Romney): Web app for voter tracking; unsuccessful but innovative in real-time voter turnout monitoring.
  • Project Narwhal (Barack Obama): Enhanced targeting using demographics and psychographics; more successful.
  • Psychographics analyze personality, attitudes, and desires, beyond demographics.

Conclusion

• Technology and strategic shifts have significantly altered party operations and election tactics.
• Encouragement to engage with provided resources for further study and exam preparation.

Additional Notes

• For further learning, review provided materials and consider subscribing for ongoing educational content.