5.3

Standard 5B

Political parties, interest groups, and social movements provide opportunities for participation and influence how people relate to government and policy-makers.

Learning Objective

Describe linkage institutions.

Explain the function and impact of political parties on the electorate and government.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE

Linkage institutions are channels that allow individuals to communicate their preferences to policy-makers:

• Parties

• Interest groups

• Elections

• Media

The functions and impact of political parties on the electorate and government are represented by:

• Mobilization and education of voters

• Party platforms

• Candidate recruitment

• Campaign management, including fundraising and media strategy

• The committee and party leadership systems in legislatures