POL 351-5 - Advanced Topic: Political Parties and Organized Interests (1)

Political parties appear in one form or another in virtually every aspect of American politics and some argue that democracy could not exist without parties. Why do people join groups such as parties or special interests and how do those decisions shape the political world we know? This course examines the role of parties and interest groups in American politics. In this class we will look at party formation, party processes, party machines, pressure groups, and party identification in the electorate and how each of these aspects shape the political process, political outcomes, and public policy.
(Social Science)