These are the institutions that exist because people are both free to form them, and have an incentive to do so. They allow people to discuss common concerns - even if it involves criticizing those in charge - and to create the organizations that can help them address those concerns.
In GOVT 2305 I cover how the rights to speak and form organizations are embodied in the First Amendment, and are the legal basis for their existence.
These organizations are the subject - along with elections - of this module. You've probably already noticed that these fall into three broad categories:
- Interest Groups
- Political Parties
- The Media
And the each perform distinct functions.
- Interest Groups:
- Political Parties:
- The Media:
In addition to these, are a large number of subcategories, as well as institutions that overlap these three.
Monday, July 3, 2023
The Political Institutions
