OSHER 767 - American Political Parties

In spite of our Founding Father's insistence, the U.S. Constitution failed to protect against the establishment of factions. The evolution of philosophies, supporters, and party stability has influenced the American political party system from the time of Federalists, Whigs, Republicans and Democratic Republicans to the current dominance of Republicans and Democrats. This course will evaluate the past, examine the differences between the parties in terms of policy preferences, and access whether the party system is a help or hindrance to the political process. We will examine the role of minority parties, compare ours with the Parliamentary system, and explore the possibility of other options.