In his Federalist Papers, James Madison outlines the basic problems of American government and politics, which is known as Madison’s Republic. The main problem that faces the American government is the propensity to only be self-interested. Self-interest is seen as the basic problem, but also the solution. Through self-interest leads to conflict within the nation, but through representation and dispersed powers, groups can be equally represented and tyranny will not occur. However, many political theorists provide other concepts that provide governmental reform to address the issues of current American systems of government. One such theory is pluralism, which suggests that competition among interest groups produces compromise and leads to balance and compromises. Another theory that theorists provide is the Party theory that suggests that there is low voter interest and knowledge; therefore many of them do not know how to protect their self-interests. As such, the need to strengthen political parties becomes a necessity, creating distinct and clear choices in party positions. Party theory and pluralist theory are both vastly different approaches towards American government, both with valid arguments. However, with the growing complexities of the modern American government, the party theory’s approach is a far more superior program in regards to comprehensive immigration reform through its emphasis on strengthened political parties, party discipline and party competition. Add more
Of the many programs that party theorists value, the most essential program lies in their ideology of strengthened political parties and a concentration of governmental power. As the party theorist’s main programs, the call to strengthen party organizations is the main backbone of all other programs or reforms. Without this aspect of the party theory, much of its programs and reforms would fall apart as everything within their theory relies on strengthened party organizations. Through a strengthened political party, parties can gain more control over aspects necessary in order to gain public office and with that power can be concentrated to the winning party, allowing for a streamlined process and allowance of the winning party to hold governmental power. As well as control of governmental affairs, it provides voters a clear choice between their preferences, making the voting process an ultimately simpler, more coherent process. In the events of where concentrated governmental powers would have been extremely beneficial was in the instance of the DREAM Act failing within congress. The DREAM Act, introduced by Dick Durbin and Orrin Hatch in 2001 was a proposal to allow certain illegal immigrants to be granted residency if the criteria specified in the policy was met. While public opinion favored the policy, the DREAM Act failed to pass in congress. Due to a lack of compromise or agreement in governmental powers, the act became a failed effort of President Obama’s promises of immigration reform. Despite majority support, with a lack of agreement within governmental power, it is extremely difficult to change policies in government, especially within controversial areas. Through party theory ideals, however, policies such as DREAM Act, despite how controversial it may be, can be passed easily if all powers within the government are in accordance. Throughout President Obama’s presidency, he has consistently advocated for the immigration reform, but with Congress’ lack of general support, any form of major immigration reform has not occurred. In the case of dispersed powers, party theory believes this to be part of the problem, but in Madison’s republic as well as pluralism, dispersed powers is seen as the solution necessary to avoid tyranny. Madison’s republic and pluralism both stress the necessity of many factions and interest groups but through dispersal of powers, it is difficult to create any sort of change within the governmental policies. With dispersed powers and increased interest groups, it is extremely difficult to come to a consensus with any major policies such as immigration reform. As such, party theory’s main ideal of a strengthened party organization as well as a concentration of governmental power would successfully lead to a more streamlined democratic government allowing for actual major changes within government policies to occur as well as to create party discipline. Include parliamentary system: checks on power, constitutional restrictions, party competition, active minority opposition.
With the increased importance of strengthened political parties, party discipline is an important facet to the success of the party theory. Through increased party discipline, parties are held more accountable for their actions and as such have more of a responsibility to uphold their promises and keep their word. Not just the individual officeholder but also the political organizations themselves are responsible for the actions taken and the results of such organization. Party theorists believe that through a concentration of power responsibility and accountability can be effectively tracked down and citizens can easily monitor party activity. With a strengthened political party and increased emphasis on party discipline, it creates a connection between voters and government. Citizens are able to have a clear view of party programs and can thus hold parties accountable. However, in the case of Madison’s Republic and Pluralism, both theories believe in the importance of factions, representing various different interests to allow for equal representation. Along with difficulties coming to a compromise or decision, it is difficult to enforce party discipline or responsibility within pluralism and Madison’s democracy. Furthermore, many interest groups are primarily biased due to most of citizens’ lack of political self-interest as well as the various’ groups failure to truly capture the members’ interests. Through dispersal of power, the line of accountability is thus severed, allowing for interest groups not being held liable for the promises or actions they do or say. Immigration reform yada yada yada
For a successful democratic government, competition between parties allows for continual power rotation and mobilization of various issues and interests. Party theorists rely on conflict between parties to continually raise issues and rally interest. Through a parliamentary system that party theorists favor, the winning party gains control of the government for a short period of time yet the opposition party is constantly rallying support, vigorously opposing and criticizing governmental policies. The opposition party is relentlessly addressing issues and persuading citizens to join in order to win majority and take control of government. In an attempt to garner new followers and win over opposing party members, both parties constantly attempt to appeal to a vast majority of people and their interests. Through this constant rush of mobilization, the competitive conflict between opposing parties results in a more engaging form of politics, thereby making governmental issues much more visible to voters. This expansive competition therefore actively seeks out the participation of citizens, which increases their level of involvement within American government. While party theory relies on a strengthened two-party system to draw citizens into active political participation, pluralism and Madison’s republic relies on factions and many interest groups in order to represent the various issues each citizen faces. Minority groups and representation. Self-interest allows for mobilization of citizens into political activism immigration politics interest groups v political parties in representing undocumented people