Abstracts » Political science

The indispensability of political parties

Article Abstract:

Alexis de Tocqueville highlighted political associations and parties as the central institutions of a civil society. He indicated that, although political associations attempt to impose their opinions on the polity, in practice the links between them have played a role in the emergence of standards of tolerance and the institutionalization of democratic rights. He prioritized political associations, of which the most significant are parties, because of their role in encouraging other associational activity. He claimed that the two types of parties are those that emphasize ideology and those that emphasize interests.

Criticism and interpretation, Democracy in America (Book), Tocqueville, Alexis de

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Malaise and resiliency in America

Article Abstract:

The US is going through a period of political malaise, with citizen participation fading and the two major political parties losing a sense of direction. This is likely due to the influence of television on society and political campaigning. While Americans still feel they live in the best country in the world, a lack of trust in one another and especially in politicians threatens to hasten the decline of US government.

Analysis, Political participation, Civil society

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The Americanization of the European left

Article Abstract:

Issues concerning the political trends in Europe and the United States at the end of the twentieth century are discussed. It is emphasized that social changes in Europe are reflected in the changes undergone by political parties.

Europe

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