Read more
The Case Against Political Parties questions the widespread belief that political parties are essential to democracy. This open access book argues that parties often undermine rational deliberation, fair representation, and government accountability.
While parties offer voters simplified choices, they also reward loyalty over truth, sideline majority preferences, and empower narrow interest groups. They ve helped some marginalized communities while neglecting others.
Drawing on political theory, U.S. history, and psychology, Chris Baylor explores how nonpartisan alternatives have worked at the local, state, and national levels. He examines what parties do well, where they fall short, and what a healthier democratic system might look like if we dared to imagine one.
Advance Praise:
Chris Baylor has done a great service by systematically laying out the case against parties. Readers will appreciate this book s clarity of argumentation, logical organization, and realistic consideration of alternatives. This book will stimulate fruitful debate in the classroom, in the discipline, and beyond.
Frances Lee, Professor of Politics and Public Affairs, Princeton University
Chris Baylor s insightful work is an excellent introduction to the pros and cons of political parties. It also shows these venerable institutions may often do more harm than good. Even if we cannot do without them entirely, it may be desirable to curb their influence in various ways.
Ilya Somin, Professor of Law, George Mason University
List of contents
Chapter 1: Parties as a Shortcut for Voters.- Chapter 2: Parties Bring Out the Worst in Human Psychology.- Chapter 3: What Parties Are and Why It Matters.- Chapter 4: Parties and the Representation of Diverse Groups.- Chapter 5: Many Ideologies and Two Parties.- Chapter 6: Parties and Voter Participation.- Chapter 7: Political Parties and Democratic Norms.- Chapter 8: National Government, With and Without Party.- Chapter 9: State and Local Governments without Parties.- Chapter 10: Party On.
About the author
Christopher A. Baylor
is a former American Political Science Association Congressional Fellow and a Lecturer in Political Science at the University of California, Los Angeles. He is the author of First to the Party: The Group Origins of Political Transformation, which was named an Outstanding Academic Title by Choice Magazine.
Summary
The Case Against Political Parties questions the widespread belief that political parties are essential to democracy.
This open access book argues that parties often undermine rational deliberation, fair representation, and government accountability.
While parties offer voters simplified choices, they also reward loyalty over truth, sideline majority preferences, and empower narrow interest groups. They’ve helped some marginalized communities while neglecting others.
Drawing on political theory, U.S. history, and psychology, Chris Baylor explores how nonpartisan alternatives have worked at the local, state, and national levels. He examines what parties do well, where they fall short, and what a healthier democratic system might look like if we dared to imagine one.
Advance Praise:
“Chris Baylor has done a great service by systematically laying out the case against parties. Readers will appreciate this book’s clarity of argumentation, logical organization, and realistic consideration of alternatives. This book will stimulate fruitful debate in the classroom, in the discipline, and beyond.”
—
Frances Lee
, Professor of Politics and Public Affairs, Princeton University
“Chris Baylor’s insightful work is an excellent introduction to the pros and cons of political parties. It also shows these venerable institutions may often do more harm than good. Even if we cannot do without them entirely, it may be desirable to curb their influence in various ways.”
—
Ilya Somin
, Professor of Law, George Mason University
