The Contribution of the Political Parties in Conducting and Influencing the Political Arena in the U.S.A

Abstract

This work deals with the issue of political parties as an essential part of the American political life, and as a significant element in conducting any democratic process and providing a vital link between the government and the governed. Also, it is an analysis of the political parties’ role as a means that could bring candidates for office and secure their campaign through electing them under a common label. Actually, the U.S.A political history is described according to its party organization which was characterized by a Two-Party system. Thus, this work surveys the development of political parties through periods of decline and resurgence, with a focus on its major parties, the Republican and the Democratic Party, in addition to the earliest first parties. The Founding Fathers took a dim view of political parties. They regarded parties as selfish factions which sought to use governmental power to satisfy their own desires, while neglecting the legitimate interests of other citizens; a political party might even institute tyranny. In short, parties were viewed as divisive at a time when the country’s greatest need was unity. Thus, this work, through the analysis of the parties’ role, examines and testifies whether the Founders of this nation were right about their suspicion towards the parties.