Which are more powerful: pressure groups or political parties? USA
Parties formulate policy for all areas of government, not just a specific sector or issue as pressure groups do.
Political Parties- functions and funding
They select and support electoral candidates for the legislature and the presidency.
US Party structure & Organisation
They wield legislative power in Congress, especially if a party controls both houses.
Polarisation is dividing America State by State
Factors Affecting Voting in Congress
They can determine federal government policy when their party holds the presidency.
Iron triangles allow some large corporations and influential interest groups to influence the executive and Congress.
Campaign donations and professional lobbyists allow pressure groups to influence members of Congress and the president.
Corporations provide essential jobs and can become ‘too big to fail’.
The ‘revolving door’ of key personnel allows pressure groups to maintain close relationships with Congress and the executive.
Large, well-organised pressure groups can be more focused than large ‘big tent’ parties, which contain many conflicting ideas.
Party Decline and Party Renewal