Study GuideAmerican Government–PoliƟcal ParƟes1. The FuncƟons of PoliƟcal ParƟesPolitical parties play acentral but informal rolein American government. Although the Constitutiondoes not mention them, they are essential to how democracy functions in practice.1.1NominaƟng and ElecƟng Candidates•Theprimary purposeof political parties is tonominate candidates for public officeandhelp them win elections.•Once elected, officials try toadvance the goals of their partythrough laws and governmentprograms.•Registering as aDemocrat or Republicanmakes a citizen a party member.oMost members participate passively by voting.oOthers volunteer, work as party officials, or run for office themselves.•Parties seekbroad participationto increase electoral success.1.2. RepresenƟng Groups and Interests•Elected officials representconstituents—the people in their districts or states.•Officials must balance:oThe goals of theirown partyoThe concerns ofvoters from the opposing party•Support forbipartisanandnonpartisanissues helps build wider support.•Parties also representorganized interest groups, such as:oLabor unionsoFarmersoMinority groupsoBusiness ownersoTeachers and professionalsPreview Mode
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