Political scientists often describe three “faces” or components of political parties to explain how they operate in different arenas of political life. These are:
1 - Party in the Electorate
- This includes ordinary voters who identify with or regularly support a political party.
- It encompasses party members, activists, and loyal supporters who vote for the party’s candidates and promote its ideals.
- Example: Registered Democrats or Republicans who consistently vote for their party’s nominees.
2 - Party Organization
- This is the formal structure of the party—its national, state, and local committees and leaders who work to recruit candidates, raise funds, and run campaigns.
- It includes officials like the Democratic National Committee (DNC) or Republican National Committee (RNC), state party chairs, and precinct captains.
- They handle the day-to-day operations and long-term planning of the party.
3 - Party in Government
- This refers to elected and appointed officials who belong to the party and act together to achieve policy goals.
- It includes members of Congress, governors, presidents, and local officeholders who identify with the party label.
- They shape public policy and legislation according to party priorities.
In short:
- Party in the Electorate → Voters and supporters
- Party Organization → The machinery of the party
- Party in Government → Elected officials acting under the party label
