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
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