Party Organization & Structure
How parties are organized internally, from mass membership organizations to cadre parties to modern digital platforms.
From Mass Parties to Cartel Parties
Political scientists have identified several organizational models of parties. The cadre party (typical of 19th-century elite parties) has few members and is run by a small group of notables. The mass party (developed by socialist and labor movements) has large memberships, collects dues, and is organized through local branches, regional federations, and national congresses. The catch-all party (identified by Otto Kirchheimer in the 1960s) seeks the broadest possible voter base by moderating ideology and emphasizing leadership.
More recently, Richard Katz and Peter Mair described the 'cartel party,' which relies heavily on state funding and professional staff rather than member contributions and volunteer labor. Cartel parties, they argue, have become semi-state agencies, colluding with other established parties to protect their access to resources while shutting out challengers.