Background of Political Parties in the U.S.| Post No. 123107-8

 

Background of Political Parties in the U.S.

“The Constitution makes no provision for political parties. They developed on their own as the country grew, and by the 1830s were an established part of the political environment. Today, the Republicans and Democrats are the two main political parties. Most elected officials serving as president, congressional representative, state governor or state legislator are members of one of these parties. The Republicans and Democrats have dominated American politics since the 1860s, and every president since 1852 has been either a Republican or Democrat.”

“Voting and the Election Process,” usinfo.state.gov (accessed Dec. 4, 2007)

Political party committees are required to register with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) when they reach certain thresholds for spending or contributions. According to the FEC, “the Commission determines whether committees meet the criteria for state or national party committee status through the advisory opinion process. For state committee status, the Commission has generally looked to see if the committee engages in activities that are commensurate with the day-to-day operations of a party at the state level, and if the committee has gained ballot access for its federal candidates. For national committee status, the criteria include:

• Nominating qualified candidates for President and various Congressional offices in numerous states;
• Engaging in certain activities–such as voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives–on an ongoing basis;
• Publicizing the party’s supporters and primary issues throughout the nation;
• Holding a national convention;
• Setting up a national office; and
• Establishing state affiliates.”

“Quick Answers to Party Questions,” www.fec.gov (accessed Dec. 4, 2007)