what is a linkage institution??
what is Party-in-government?
There are several interesting sites here:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=linkage+institution&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_a_linkage_institution
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_a_party_in_government
thanks, what does party realignment mean? Does it mean when a party changes its principles to accomodate with the public? please don't give me those wiki links, thanks, but they are sort of not reliable.
Sorry about the Wiki answers. I don't like them either -- but that was the only source that clearly defined those terms.
You're right about party realignment.
http://www.themonkeycage.org/2008/09/the_bailout_debate_and_partisa.html
A linkage institution is a term used in political science to describe organizations or structures that connect the government with the citizens. These institutions play a crucial role in the functioning of a democratic society by facilitating communication and participation between the people and their elected representatives.
To understand the concept of linkage institutions, it is helpful to explore some examples:
1. Political Parties: Political parties are a key linkage institution that allows citizens to influence policy by organizing and mobilizing support for specific candidates and ideologies. They help channel public opinion into a coherent political force and serve as a mechanism for citizen representation in the government.
2. Elections: Elections themselves can be considered linkage institutions as they provide citizens with the opportunity to choose their representatives. By voting, citizens participate in the democratic process and express their preferences for the candidates who will hold public office.
3. Interest Groups: Interest groups represent different social, economic, or ideological interests and seek to influence public policy. They provide a platform for individuals with similar concerns to organize and advocate for their interests, often through lobbying, public campaigns, or litigation.
4. Media: The media plays a crucial role in informing and shaping public opinion. It serves as a linkage institution by disseminating information about government policies, exposing corruption, and providing a forum for public debate. Through newspapers, television, radio, and online platforms, the media connects citizens to the political process.
5. Civil Society Organizations: NGOs, community groups, and other voluntary associations contribute to the democratic process by engaging citizens in activities beyond formal politics. These organizations focus on specific issues or causes—such as human rights, environmental protection, or social justice—and work to raise awareness, cultivate public opinion, and influence government policies.
Overall, linkage institutions create a feedback loop between the people and the government, allowing citizens to express their preferences, hold elected officials accountable, and shape public policy. By understanding these institutions, individuals can actively participate in democracy and make their voices heard.