The Development of the Modern Party System in Western Europe Essay

The concept of Political Parties has been an evolving concept and framework that emerged after the American formation of political parties in the 18th century. Political scientist Edmond Burke, stated in 1770 that political parties are â€Å" a body of men united for promoting, by joint endeavors, some principles which they all agree.† Professor Feigenbaum broadened upon this definition by stating that political parties are institutions that represent diverse yet compatible interests . Both of these definitions led to recognition that political parties develop in a nation parallel to the development of the society and show the nations cleavages and triumphs. Thus, the recent changes to the political parties in The United Kingdom, France, and Germany are parallel to the recent changes in their society, such as the evolution of new social movements that have changed the electoral composition and decentralized the basic party organizations. The foundation of the classic British two-party political system of the Conservative and the Labour party was founded in the 19th century where the concerns and interests of the British population were all economically and class based. The Conservative party foundations lie in the ability of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli’s abilities to create a, â€Å"long-lasting alliance between an upper class leadership and a lower-class following .† It has followed until recently, due to David Cameron modernization of party ideals, has followed a platform of conservatism and unionism and has relied on the support of the upper class and the lower class. The Labour Party developed during the industrial revolution as the need for a party that was founded by trade union representatives and represents the interests o... ...more moderate parties with greater party discipline that are based on common views of political ideology and policy and that have been swayed by slowly emerging fringe groups and third parties. This shift in the political party system of these nations corresponds with the shift of Western Europe towards European integration. Thus, these changes do parallel the development of the Western Europe and each respective nation and show the nations and Western Europe’s cleavages and triumphs. Works Cited Kesselman, Mark. European Politics in Transition. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2009.Print. Gaspard, Franà §oise. "Rediscovering the citizen." A small city in France . Cambridge,Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1995. Print. Burke, Edmond. Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents. London: Printed for J. Dodsley, 1770. Lecture Notes. October 26, 2010.