Overview Chapter

This chapter explains that party organizations are alive and well in America but are secondary to candidates as the driving force in contemporary campaigns. It explores the history of U.S. parties, the patterns of party politics and the conduct of modern campaigns. The following points are emphasized in this chapter:

• Political competition in the United States has centered on two parties, a pattern that is explained by the nature of America's electoral system, political institutions and political culture.
• To win an electoral majority, candidates of the two major parties must appeal to a diverse set of interests; this necessity normally leads them to advocate moderate and somewhat overlapping policies.
• U.S. party organizations are decentralized and fragmented. The national organization is a loose collection of state organizations, which in turn are loose associations of autonomous local organizations. The ability of America's party organizations to control nominations and election to office is weak, which in turn enhances the candidates' role.
• Candidate-centered campaigns are based on the media and utilize the skills of professional consultants. Money, strategy, and televised advertising are key components of today's presidential and congressional campaigns.