Political Science: Political Parties24/09/2007 11:48:00←Political Parties:•They are electoral organization.•Field recruits and finance the slate of candidates.•Entice and mobilize voters for support.•They provide voters a shortcut to votingoIf our elections were non partisan then voters would have to actually learn about the individual person up for office. Party affiliation makes it easier for the average voter to decide who best represents their interests. •It is a way to organize governmentoIt can be assumed that a republican legislators success is tied to the success of other legislators, presidents, etc. Who do you go to, to introduce your legislation in congress? YOUR PARTY!•Implementing party policies•If you do lose as a party, parties serve as a means of organizing an effective opposition.←←American Parties:•Weak and undisciplined comparatively.oNot unilaterally cohesive.•Anyone can be a member. • All you have to do is declare that you are a democrat or a republican to run as one. The national party cannot stop you.•Based upon these points, how can you force someone to be a good democrat or republican? •In effect, our candidates are entrepreneurs. The candidate is responsible to the voters, NOT the parties. ←