ext_22870 ([identity profile] chickenfeet2003.livejournal.com) wrote in [personal profile] chickenfeet 2006-11-09 06:48 pm (UTC)

Say more about the 'real party system' please?

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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