Dynamics of American Political Parties

Dynamics of American Political Parties examines the process of gradual change that inexorably shapes and reshapes American politics.

Mark D. Brewer (Author), Jeffrey M. Stonecash (Author)

9780521882309, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 31 July 2009

256 pages, 42 b/w illus. 11 tables
24 x 16 x 2 cm, 0.48 kg

“This book stands out for its clear appreciation of the historical foundations of the party system, the linkage of this history to contemporary party struggles and divisions, and its savvy and balanced account of current party politics. It is arguably a must-read for anyone who needs a cogent account of change and continuity in our party system.”
– John R. Petrocik, University of Missouri

Dynamics of American Political Parties examines the process of gradual change that inexorably shapes and reshapes American politics. Parties and the politicians that comprise them seek control of government in order to implement their visions of proper public policy. To gain control parties need to win elections, and winning elections requires assembling an electoral coalition that is larger than that crafted by the opposition. Uncertainty rules and intra-party conflict rages as different factions and groups within the parties debate the proper course(s) of action and battle it out for control of the party. Parties can never be sure how their strategic maneuvers will play out, and, even when it appears that a certain strategy has been successful, party leaders are unclear about how long apparent success will last. Change unfolds slowly, in fits and starts.

1. Democracy, representation, and parties
2. Overview: social change and shifting party bases
3. Taking shape: party coalitions in the post-bellum nineteenth century
4. Republican ascendancy and Democratic efforts to respond: 1896–1928
5. New Deal dominance and struggles with internal diversity
6. The Democratic drive to the great society
7. Republicans: reasserting conservative principles and seeking a majority
8. The Democratic struggle to respond
9. George Bush and further polarization
10. The 2008 election and its interpretation
11. Parties and the pursuit of majorities.

Subject Areas: Politics & government [JP]