Suchergebnisse

The literature about "crisis of party" or "decline of party" abounds, but most studies in this genre refer to underlying social changes when trying to explain these phenomena. Normative reservations about political parties have thus far been widely neglected in this debate. This article argues that more attention should be given to the interaction between elite theorizing about, and mass orientations towards, political parties. Even though direct survey evidence on popular attitudes towards political parties is largely unavailable, these attitudes can be indirectly measured using several attitudinal and behavioural indicators. Based on a survey of longitudinal data for 13 Western democaracies, this article shows that signs of anti-party sentiment have become more visible as we have moved into the 1980s; but that sweeping generalizations are unfounded. (European Journal of Political Research / FUB)

Auflistung der Mitglieder der christlich-liberalen Regierungskoalition unter Führung von Bundeskanzler Kohl nach der Kabinettsumbildung im Januar 1991; Darstellung der Mehrheitsverhältnisse im Bundesrat; kurzer Überblick über innenpolitische Entwicklungen und die Hauptthemen der nationalen Politik im Jahr 1991

THE GERMAN GREEN PARTY, WHICH IS ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL GREEN PARTIES IN WESTERN EUROPE, HAS NOT ONLY BEEN EFFICIENT IN CHANGING THE POLITICAL AGENDA OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC. IT HAS ALSO CHALLENGED THE CONVENTIONAL WAY OF ORGANIZING PARTY POLITICS BY INTITUTIONALIZING A SERIES OF ORGANIZATIONAL PRINCIPLES THAT ARE INSPIRED BY THE IDEALS OF GRASS-ROOTS DEMOCRACY. HOWEVER, DESPITE THE IDEOLOGICAL APPEAL OF GRASS-ROOTS DEMOCRACY TO GERMAN SYPATHIZERS, THE PARTY HAS FAILED TO ATTRACT SUFFICIENTLY LARGE NUMBERS OF ACTIVE PARTY MEMBERS. THE GREENS ARE CAUGHT IN A DILEMMA, BECAUSE THEY APPEAL TO THOSE SEGMENTS OF WEST GERMAN SOCIETY WHERE "NON-PARTISANS" ARE MOST NUMEROUS. THIS UNDERMINES THE FUNCTIONING, AND HENCE THE CREDIBILITY, OF GREEN GRASS-ROOTS DEMOCRACY.

Vor über 10 Jahren haben sich "Die Grünen" bundesweit als Partei gegründet. Der Stand der Forschung über die grüne Partei wird für folgende Aspekte gesichtet: 1) Die Gründungsphase der Grünen; 2) die soziale Basis der Partei; 3) die Parteiorganisation; 4) die Grünen zwischen sozialer Protestbewegung und Regierungspartei; 5) die programmatischen Orientierungen der Partei; 6) Ansätze zur Erklärung des Erfolges der Grünen. Abschließend wird festgestellt, daß die Wählerschaft der Grünen bislang unzureichend erforscht ist. (AuD-Pls)

Argues that despite the ideological appeal of grass-roots democracy to Green sympathizers, the party has failed to attract sufficient active party members. The Greens are caught in a dilemma, because they appeal to those segments of West German society where 'non-partisans' are most numerous. This undermines the functioning and credibility of Green grassroots democracy. (Abstract amended)

The surge of new politics in advanced industrialized nations has led to the emergence of genuine new parties in several countries: the German Green Party is the most prominent example. Focuses on the party organization, its working mode and internal political culture. The full realization of grass roots democratic ideals is hindered by systemic constraints and a very weak membership basis, and collective leadership can have paralyzing effects on the performance of a party. (Abstract amended)

MORE THAN TWO YEARS AFTER GERMAN UNIFICATION, THE GREENS FINALLY CREATED A JOINT PARTY ORGANIZATION WITH THEIR ALLY IN THE EAST, BUNDNIS 90. THIS ARTICLE ANALYSES THE MOST IMPORTANT JUNCTURES ON THE PATH TOWARDS THE NEW PARTY, BUNDNIS 90/DIE GRUNEN, AND DEFINES ITS MOST IMPORTANT ORGANIZATIONAL, IDEOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS. THE ACHILLES HEEL OF THE NEW PARTY, WHICH IS MORE MODERATE THAN THE GREENS OF THE 1980S, REMAINS THEIR LACK OF A STABLE ELECTORAL BASE.