The Rise of Parties in Western Democracies

Abstract

Argues that the varied times & sequences in which responsible democracies were formed had important consequences for the rise & character of political parties. Three key patterns of political development that influenced the emergence of parties in the US, the UK, & Germany were the arrival of responsible government, the introduction of general suffrage, & modern industralization/urbanization. However, these three patterns did not fit all European democracies, which followed various paths to democracy & party formation. These varied routes help to explain the variety of parties that were formed in Western societies. Important dimensions of party development include legitimacy, elite competition, integration, nationalization, & degree of "reach." The main criticisms leveled against the development of political parties are examined, along with varied attempts to provide a precise sequence in the development of specific party types. Despite increased competition from the media, interest groups, & action groups, it is concluded that political parties remain "the decisive agents of political recruitment.". 1 Table. J. Lindroth