Marissa Staaf
POS 2041
MW 8-9:15
December 1, 2017
Revised Political Parties Assignment
The many activities and functions of political parties involved include “getting the vote
out, making easy electoral choice, providing assistance and leadership in policy formulation,
and organizing institutions of government such as congressional committees” (O’Connor and
Sabato 253). First, it is important to find running candidates for office. It was easier in previous
generations to find attractive candidates to run for office. Parties today select what they believe
is the best candidate to run for office that will have control over many congressional, national,
and state activities. Raising money is very important, today the U.S. Senate is averaged to
spend over $10.4 million dollars (253). Statistically Republican’s have greater fund-raising
success than Democrats, however Democrats have been funded more recently (celebrities, pro-
liberalism movements).
These fundraising activities, include internet sites, online advertisements, and social
media including Facebook and Twitter (253). It is aswell important to get out the vote and have
citizens aware of all the cadidates for the proceeding election. For example, political parties will
pay for public opinion surveys and tracking polls to chart public support for cadidates. Parties
also ulitize media (TV advertisements) and have civic organizations gathering background
information to persuade people in their favor (micro-targeting) (253). Parties write a lengthy
platform and function to formulate and promote policies and organize the government, For
