Question: How are today’s political parties configured?

Every four years, a national convention (explained in Executive Branch chapter) takes place to nominate a Presidential candidate. As far as the party hierarchy:

1. The national committee is a large group of representatives from every state. They range from Congressmen to local state officials. These people elect the party national chairperson who is in charge of raising money and promoting party interests. In state central committees, the party state chairperson would be elected.

2. The national committee then oversees the congressional campaign committee which helps out those in the party who are running for office, or reelection.

3. Power then trickles down to other local elections in counties, towns, and villages. It’s in the party’s greatest interest to win elections at every precinct, or voting district.

Click here for next flash card.      Back to eFlashcard headquarters