Political Parties and Interest Groups

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Running Header: Political Parties and Interest Groups 1 Political Parties and Interest Groups Keriann Lekoski School of Education, Liberty University Authors Note Keriann Lekoski I have no known conflict of interest to disclose. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Keriann Lekoski Email: klekoski@liberty.edu

Running Header: Political Parties and Interest Groups 2 Introduction Political parties and interest groups are both important actors in the U.S. political system, but they serve different roles and have distinct characteristics. One thing that they have in common is their ability to have influence over policy. Political parties and interest groups both seek to influence government policy. They are able to do so by advocating for specific issues, promoting candidates who align with their goals, and participating in activities like lobbying and campaigning. Another thing that they have in common is Democratic participation. Parties and interest groups both play a role in promoting democratic participation by providing avenues for citizens to engage in the political process, express their views, and have their voices heard. Lastly, we can look at the similarity in their ability to build on coalition. Both parties and interest groups often form coalitions or alliances to increase their influence. They gather like-minded people or organizations to work together towards common objectives. (Maisel & Berry, 2010) As for their differences, one aspect that we can look at is what each group stands for. Political parties are broad organizations that look to gain political power, run candidates for office, and create a detailed policy agenda. Interest groups are more focused on advocating for specific issues or causes, without necessarily seeking to hold a position in political office. Another difference that they have is who their members represent and support. Political Parties have a broader membership base and aim to attract a wide range of voters to win elections. On the other hand, interest groups have more of a narrowed focus and attract individuals, businesses, or organizations that share a specific interest or concern. Lasty, we see the difference between how each group is structured and organized. Political parties have formal structures at local, state, and national levels, with clear leadership and hierarchies. Interest groups vary in size and structure, with some having formal hierarchies and others being more loosely organized. (Maisel

Running Header: Political Parties and Interest Groups 3 & Berry, 2010) From a biblical worldview, we note that the Bible urges believers to speak up for justice and for those who are marginalized. This is stated in Proverbs 31:8-9 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. 9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” and Micah 6:8 “Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.” Both political parties and interest groups can advocate for policies that align with biblical values of compassion, fairness, and human dignity. We also see that the Bible emphasizes the importance of unity among believers as stated in Ephesians 4:3 “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”, while recognizing diversity in spiritual gifts and roles (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). In a similar sense, political parties and interest groups contribute to a diverse yet unified political landscape, allowing different voices to be heard. Political Parties Party labels play a very important role in promoting collective responsibility within political parties. Collective responsibility refers to the idea that all members of a political party are collectively accountable for the decisions and actions taken by the party as a whole. Party labels help establish a balanced identity and platform that members adhere to, and they create a sense of unity and shared purpose among party members. Party labels represent a set of policy positions, values, and principles that members are expected to support. This consistency helps ensure that party members present a unified front to voters and maintain a reasonable policy agenda. It has also been noted that voters often associate specific policy positions and ideologies with party labels. As a result, candidates running under a party label are expected to align with the party's platform and follow its general direction. Lastly, party labels help citizens identify and

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Running Header: Political Parties and Interest Groups 4 connect with a political organization that aligns with their beliefs. This identification stimulates a sense of loyalty and shared responsibility among party supporters. (Nokken & Poole, 2004) While third-party candidates can win the presidency in theory, the U.S. political system presents notable challenges that make it difficult for them to do so. The "first-past-the-post" electoral system and the dominance of the two major parties (Democratic and Republican) create structural barriers for third-party candidates. The two major parties have a historical and institutional advantage, with established networks, funding, and name recognition. This makes it hard for third-party candidates to compete on a level playing field. Winning the presidency also requires a candidate to secure a majority of Electoral College votes. A third-party candidate would need to win multiple states, which is challenging due to the winner-takes-all position of electors in most states. Third-party candidates often lack the financial resources and infrastructure necessary to run nationwide campaigns and compete in all states as well. Lastly, Major media outlets tend to focus their coverage on the two major parties, making it difficult for third-party candidates to gain enough visibility and reach a broad audience. (Cho, 1999) It is unlikely for a third-party candidate to win, but if they were to, there are several factors that would need to be met. For instance, a third party would need to strategically focus its efforts on a select number of states to have a realistic shot at winning Electoral College votes. There would need to be high levels of dissatisfaction with the major parties or a polarized political environment if they wished to find any sort of opening for themselves in the polls. They would need to be a charismatic and skilled candidate with a broad appeal and the ability to resonate with voters across ideological lines. Lastly, Reforms to the electoral system, such as ranked-choice voting or proportional representation, could provide third-party candidates with a more equitable path to victory as well. (Cho, 1999)

Running Header: Political Parties and Interest Groups 5 From a Biblical perspective, the concepts of unity, stewardship, and justice are relevant to the discussion of third-party candidates. The Bible encourages believers to work together in unity (Philippians 2:2), responsibly steward their resources and opportunities (Matthew 25:14-30), and pursue justice for all (Micah 6:8). A third-party candidate with a strong moral compass and a clear commitment to justice could align with these principles by offering an alternative that promotes integrity, honesty, and ethical leadership. While the likelihood of a third-party candidate winning the presidency is challenging within the current political system, the principles of unity, stewardship, and justice can guide efforts to bring about positive change and engage in the democratic process with integrity. Interest Groups The National Education Association (NEA) is the largest labor union and professional organization for educators in the United States. When taking a look at James Madison's theory of pluralism, it suggests that various interests and factions should compete in a democratic system. This would prevent any one group from becoming too powerful. The NEA fits within this theory as it represents the interests of educators within the broader outlook of American society. By advocating for the rights and well-being of teachers, the NEA contributes to the diversity of voices and interests that participate in the democratic process. Harry Truman's view of interest groups looks at their role in balancing power and enabling democratic discourse. The NEA aligns with this perspective by acting as an interest group that advocates for the rights, working conditions, and professional development of educators. Through collective bargaining and political advocacy, the NEA contributes to the democratic process by ensuring that teachers' voices are heard and their needs addressed. (Kernell et al., 2022) E.E. Schattschneider's theory emphasizes the role of conflict in shaping political agendas.

Running Header: Political Parties and Interest Groups 6 The NEA engages in political conflict by advocating for educational policies, funding, and reforms that align with the interests of educators. By participating in debates and discussions related to education, the NEA contributes to the democratic exchange of ideas and the determination of educational priorities. Lastly, Mancur Olson's theory of collective action suggests that individuals are more likely to join groups when they will receive personal benefits. The NEA offers teachers a platform to collectively address their professional concerns and advance their interests. By uniting teachers and providing a collective voice, the NEA enhances the ability of educators to advocate for better working conditions, professional development, and educational policies. (Kernell et al., 2022) Political parties and interest groups are essential components of the U.S. political system, each serving distinct roles while sharing common elements. They both hold the power to influence policy, promote democratic participation, and build coalitions. Political parties play a role in promoting collective responsibility through their party labels, fostering unity, consistency, and shared purpose among members. Interest groups, such as the National Education Association (NEA), advocate for specific interests and facilitate democratic discourse by representing the concerns of educators within the broader societal context. While the potential for a third-party candidate to win the presidency is challenging within the current political system, the principles of unity, stewardship, and justice can guide efforts to bring about positive change and engage in the democratic process with integrity. References

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Running Header: Political Parties and Interest Groups 7 English Standard Version. (2016) The voter’s Self Defense System. (n.d.). National Education Association . Vote Smart. https://justfacts.votesmart.org/interest-group/1015/national-education-association Cho, S. (1999). Third party candidates and sophisticated voters: Spatial competition and strategic voting in multicandidate American presidential election (Order No. 9962511). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (304511330). Kernell, S., Jacobson, G. C., Kousser, T., Vavreck, L., & Johnson T. R. (2022). The Logic of American Politics (10thed.). Los Angeles: CQ Press. ISBN: 9781071815977 Maisel, L. S., & Berry, J. M. (Eds.). (2010). The Oxford handbook of American political parties and interest groups . OUP Oxford. Nokken, T. P., & Poole, K. T. (2004). Congressional party defection in American history. Legislative Studies Quarterly , 29 (4), 545-568.