Political Parties: Core Documents

This collection begins with James Madison’s commentary on the unavoidable but dangerous nature of parties; it ends with the Supreme Court’s opinion about the legitimate sources of funding for political party activities in Citizens United. It covers not only the developing role of political parties in our constitutional order, but also the specific answers given by various parties to important political questions over the course of our national history. Its documents also explore the leadership structures of political parties and especially the connection between party leadership and the presidency.