A 'real party' is a collective endeavour for a common purpose. It has an existence independent of its elected representatives. I would say it has the following characteristics:
It's a corporate body. It has aims and a constitution. Individuals who accept its principles can choose to become members.
'Sovereignty' lies with the members. Ultimately they determine the nature and modus operandi of the party.
The party has policies determined according to the party's rules and practices which are, at least to some extent, binding on the party's candidates and elected representatives.
Candidates for office running in the name of the party are chosen by the party, financed by the party and run on the party platform.
Within any given elected body, the party exerts some sort of discipline over its members.
Contrast this with the US.
Candidates for faction x are typically chosen locally in primaries where essentially anyone can vote. Effectively, any interested party can buy the local 'brand franchise' for a particular district or office. Any connection between the national policy platform and the candidate is coincidence.
Candidates are responsible for their own campaign finance.
Candidates run on whatever platform they like.
Elected representatives function essentially as independents within the legislature.
When there are two psychologically entrenched, but essentially meaningless 'brands' any kind of alternative politics becomes virtually impossible.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2006-11-09 06:48 pm (UTC)A 'real party' is a collective endeavour for a common purpose. It has an existence independent of its elected representatives. I would say it has the following characteristics:
Contrast this with the US.
When there are two psychologically entrenched, but essentially meaningless 'brands' any kind of alternative politics becomes virtually impossible.