The Decline of the Traditional American Party Organizations
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Authors
Bono, Charles
Issue Date
1981
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Political parties have been a central component of the
American political system for almost two hundred years.
During this period the United States grew to become a world
power with responsibility to protect and lead the western
democracies of the world. American culture has also been
radically transformed since the birth of the United states
in 1776. The simple lifestyle associated with the early
years of this nation has been replaced with a complex
technological existence, and both the political parties and
the citizens have adjusted accordingly. The nation's forefathers
could not have imagined the society we live in today
with its heavy reliance on electricity, mass media, and
fast transportation. They also would have been shocked at
the electoral process today.
The political-party organizations have evolved throughout
time as well. They originally dominated the political arena
and were an important link between the government and the
citizens. Parties were informational and organizational
bodies which voters heavily relied upon in their election
decisions.
Historical changes constantly modified their functions.
The advent of television had a significant effect on the
informational purpose parties once controlled.
Recent party reforms and campaign financing laws also changed
the parties. The political party organizations have been altered so drastically that they barely resemble the parties
of the nineteenth century. They have been demeaned in
importance and replaced by a variety of sources. The
decline of the political party organizations reflect the
changing society around them. In this essay, I hope to
clarify and analyze the recently changed roles of the party
organizations, and to determine the present role and meaning
of political parties in the modern American society.
Description
iii, 61 p.
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License
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