Changing significance and influence of the parties
(evaluate the view that political parties do not play an important role in Congress)
Increased partisanship (polarisation)– parties do play a role
1982, conservative Democrat Zorinsky would have been a moderate Republican
Now conservative Democrat Joe Manchin is more like liberal GOP Susan Collins
The differences within the parties was larger than the differences between them
o Difference between Gillibrand and Manchin smaller than 1982 Zorinsky and Kennedy
But partisanship doesn’t mean members always vote the same way
o Manchin voted against Build Back Better
o Collins voted to convict Trump
Communication with voters – parties don’t play a role
Lost the function as the route between officials and voters (had to do it through a rally)
Politicians communicate electronically, whilst voters ‘speak back’ through polls
AOC does Q&A on Instagram to directly communicate, Ted Cruz has ‘Verdict’ podcast
Parties fund many campaigns for politicians to communicate
o Dem National Committee $172 million fundraising 2021-22
o Rep National Committee $187 million fundraising 2021-22
o Overall $860 million fundraising
Extremist movements – parties don’t play a role
Tea Party – shifted party more fiscally conservative
o Managed to elect 28 to House
o 2010 midterms, 32% of candidate identifying as Tea Party won
o Unseated sitting GOP House Maj Leader Eric Cantor
Blue Dog Coalition
o Established National Commission of Fiscal Responsibility and Reform
Movements can be drowned out by wider party
o Blue Dogs losses accounted for ½ of Democrat losses
Moderate Tuesday Group members stopped Trump’s efforts to repeal PPACA
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller oliverdawson. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $7.16. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
