According to the responsible party model, political parties have distinct platforms which they should carry out when their members get elected. To accept this model, you must believe that they are clear ideological and philosophical differences between the parties. Those distinct parties would accept responsibility related to the government’s performance while they are in charge. With the Presidential debates upon the American people, both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney will attempt to draw distinctions between each other. Once elected, they, as members of their respective parties, would then take responsibility for the performance of government.
Do you believe that parties adhere to the responsible party model? Do you believe there are clear distinctions between the parties and the Presidential candidates? Do you follow the mantra of Huey P. Long, the brash Louisiana politician who had a disdain for the two-party system? His comments can be found in the video below. What are your thoughts?
Politics Matters 