PARTIES & INTEREST GROUPS
POLITICAL SCIENCE 210
Spring 1998

Dr. Susan Roberts

"A governing elite is a necessity in a representative democracy. And political professionals maintain that given the characteristics of voters, the unpopular tactics by which elite offices like the presidency are sought and won in modern America are equally essential."

-Bruce Buchanan, Renewing Presidential Politics, 1996

"The only way collective responsibility has ever existed, and can exist given our institutions, is through the agency of the political party; in American politics, responsibility requires cohesive parties. This is an old claim to be sure, but its age does not detract from its present relevance."

-Morris Fiorina, "The Decline of Collective Responsibility in American Politics," Daedalus, Summer 1980

"It has often been taken for granted that if everyone in a group of individuals or firms had some interest in common, then there would be a tendency for the group to seek to further this interest. Thus many students of politics in the United States for a long time supposed that citizens with a common political interest would organize and lobby to serve that interest."

- Mancur Olson, The Logic of Collective Action, 1965, 1971

As Republicans and Democrats gear up once again for the 1998 midterm elections, we are reminded of the mystique of the midterm election. While the 1996 presidential election was noted for its failure to generate either excitement or voter interest, the 1994 midterm elections were termed "earthquakes" as the Republicans captured control of both the House and the Senate. Despite the failure of the 1996 presidential election to elicit voter turnout or media attention, we will investigate the anger which many pundits insist characterize the contemporary electorate. What factors in partisan and interest politics determines the level of electoral activity?

Contemporary politics only provide the backdrop for our more rigorous consideration of questions concerning political participation and its utility. How do we translate our values into policy and our ideologies into action? Do campaigns and elections provide us with the information necessary to make sound electoral and policy decisions? How do we weigh minority needs and majority rights? Is the ballot box alone a guarantor of responsible political leadership? When does protest become a viable democratic tool?

The first half of the semester will focus on theories of political parties and their history in the United States. The candidacy of Ross Perot in 1992 and his attempt to build a Reform Party in 1996 are only several indications that this is a time of significant stress on the traditional two party system. We will place heavy emphasis on partisan identification and the history and characteristics of political parties. We will also examine the ways in which political parties in the United States are adapting for the fractionalized electorate. How feasible are third parties in 2000 and in the years to come?

Just as political parties and elections serve as conduits of public opinion and priorities, so too do interest groups. The second central aspect of this course focuses on the origins and influence of interest groups and political action committees. Do interest groups possess an inordinate amount of power in this country? Conversely, are some "interests" systematically marginalized in the world of lobbies and PACs? How do we best accommodate the quest for representation of interests? We will conclude with an examination of interest groups formed in reaction to a variety of judicial decisions .

Course Requirements

This is a course designed with multiple grading opportunities.
First examination = 15% of final grade
Second examination = 20% of final grade
Quizzes/discussion/special assignments = 10% of final grade *
Papers (2 @ 15%) = 30% of final grade
Final examination (cumulative) = 25% of final grade

*Also includes assessment of attendance, class preparation.

Testing: All examinations ("reviews") are essay in format. A study sheet will be given out approximately one week prior to the examinations. Students are encouraged to work in study groups in preparation for the examination. This is in no way a violation of the Honor Code. I encourage any discussion of class ideas outside of the confines of the classroom.

There may be periodic quizzes on the reading materials. Students are expected to have read materials prior to class and to be prepared to engage in class discussions. To the extent possible (given class size), this class will be conducted to a significant degree in a seminar fashion.

Papers:

"Writing and rewriting are a constant search for what it is one is saying."

-John Updike

"The art of writing has for backbone some fierce attachment to an idea."

-Virginia Woolf

"Is it possible to get an extension on my paper? I have three other papers and a midterm in my other classes!"

-Anonymous Davidson student

There will be two papers with fairly specific topics. Each will count 15% of your final grade. These papers will be approximately 5-7 pages in length (reasonable font, double-spaced, with approximate notation).

LATE WORK IS SUBJECT TO PENALTIES AT THE DISCRETION OF THE PROFESSOR. THE STANDARD DEDUCTION IS ONE-HALF OF A LETTER GRADE FOR EVERY DAY THE PAPER IS LATE. NO PAPERS ARE ACCEPTED LATE WITHOUT DISCUSSION WITH ME.

Leaving a voice mail does not constitute discussion.

All work in this course is bound by the Honor Code. I assume that all of your work is covered by the Honor Code; you may or may not choose to write "pledged" on your work. It is a solid reminder of your commitment to the Honor Code. Please familiarize yourself with the college's definition of plagiarism. If you have any questions, please see me.

Paper #1 will deal the junctures of parties and voting behavior. Students may select to investigate partisanship, turnout, third parties, or campaigns with a particular research focus and some element of 1992 and 1996 in your analysis. A sheet will be handed in the first two weeks of class with additional specifics.

Paper #2 will involve interest groups. Students will select between several topics. At this point topics may include an in-depth investigation of a interest group, the role of various interest groups in a major policy debate, and primary research of grassroots interest groups. Depending on their choice of topics, students may need to contact interest groups for primary source information and/or interviews. Although you will not be in a position to analytically examine an interest group at the first of the semester, you may want to identify an interest group you would like to study and begin assembling materials. A sheet will be handed out with additional specifics.

Attendance

"I'm sorry I missed class Friday. Did we do anything important?"

-Anonymous Davidson student

Attendance will be monitored and regular attendance is expected. As stated in "The Red Book," students missing in excess of one-fourth of scheduled classes will receive a failing grade in the course.

Office Hours and Consultations

Office: 329 C Chambers
Office Hours: MWF 9:30-10:20
M 1:30-2:30; TH 1-3
By appointment
Office Telephone: 2458
Home Telephone: 892-9874 *Please do not call after 9:00p.m.
E-mail suroberts@davidson.edu

Students with questions are encouraged to come by either during office hours. I will make appointments to accommodate students who are unable to come during office hours. Students should feel free to drop by at times other than my office hours, but I make no guarantees as to availability. Most weeks, I will be in my office on Tuesdays or Thursdays (in addition to my MWF teaching schedule) . I am also available by telephone at home, but please do not call late in the evening.

**I will also try to be available to have lunch with students on Mondays on a regular basis, roughly from 11:30-1:30 or so. Please don't be shy about getting together for lunch. It is a good opportunity for us to become better acquainted and to answer questions outside of the classroom. Please schedule individually or with a small group.

Textbooks

Ibsen Four Great Plays

Bibby Politics, Parties, and Elections in America (3rd ed)

Green & O'Shea The State of the Parties 2nd edition

Haskell Fundamentally Flawed

Nelson The Elections of 1996

Cigler & Loomis Interest Group Politics

Hrebenar Interest Group Politics in America

Woliver From Outrage to Action

Topics and Assignments

I. Participation and Politics: A Theoretical Introduction

Jan. 13 - Jan 19

II. Political Parties: Partisanship & the Two Party System

Jan. 21 - Feb. 2

III. "It's My Party": Perot & Third Party Prospects

Feb.4 - Feb 6

IV. Party Organization & Activities

Feb. 9 - Feb.18

V. Nominations & Elections: Structures & Consequences

Feb. 20 - Feb. 27

FIRST EXAMINATION DUE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27

VI. 1996, 2000 and Beyond: The Future of Parties

March 9 - March 20

PAPER # 1 DUE ON MONDAY, MARCH 16, 5pm

VII. Pluralism: Theories & Critiques

March 25 - April 6

VIII. Pluralism in Action: Lobbying & PACs

April 8 - April 10

PAPER #2 DUE ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 5pm

IX. Pluralism in Government: Institutional Lobbying & Prospects for Reform

April 15 - 20

SECOND EXAMINATION = MONDAY, APRIL 20

Examinations may not be returned before end of regular classes; check with professor during optional class week.

X. Fighting City Hall: Mobilization & Motives

April 22 - April 27

I reserve the right to use Optional classes, but I don't plan to use them. Exams begin May 7