Mcgovern-fraser Commission Definition Ap Gov

Understanding the McGovern-Fraser Commission: Reshaping the Democratic Party

The McGovern-Fraser Commission, formally known as the Commission on Party Structure and Delegate Selection, holds a significant place in the history of the Democratic Party and American political reform. This article will delve deep into its definition, its impact on the party, and its lasting legacy on the American political landscape. Understanding the McGovern-Fraser Commission is crucial for anyone seeking to grasp the evolution of modern American political parties and the intricacies of delegate selection processes.

Introduction: A Response to the 1968 Convention Chaos

The 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago remains infamous for its tumultuous events, marked by violent clashes between anti-war protesters and police. The chaotic scenes underscored deep divisions within the party, particularly between the establishment and the burgeoning anti-war movement. The nomination process itself was perceived as undemocratic and unresponsive to the desires of many party members. This widespread dissatisfaction led to the creation of the McGovern-Fraser Commission. Its core mandate was to reform the party's delegate selection process, aiming for greater inclusivity, transparency, and representation of diverse viewpoints within the party. This commission fundamentally altered how the Democratic Party operates, establishing many norms still followed today.

The Commission's Mandate and Key Reforms:

Established in 1969, the McGovern-Fraser Commission, chaired by Senator George McGovern and Representative Donald Fraser, embarked on a comprehensive review of the Democratic Party's nominating procedures. Their findings led to significant reforms aimed at achieving several key goals:

• Increased Representation: The commission's primary focus was on expanding representation within the party. This involved ensuring that delegates to the national convention better reflected the demographics and viewpoints of the party's diverse membership. The reforms aimed to move away from a system dominated by party elites and powerful state organizations towards a more inclusive process.

• Open and Transparent Procedures: The commission pushed for greater transparency in the delegate selection process. This meant establishing clear and publicly available rules for selecting delegates, including timelines, eligibility criteria, and procedures for resolving disputes. This increased accountability, minimizing the possibility of manipulation and backroom deals.

• Proportional Representation: One of the most significant changes implemented by the McGovern-Fraser Commission was the move towards proportional representation in delegate allocation. This meant that delegates were allocated based on the percentage of votes received by each candidate in primary elections and caucuses. This shift from a "winner-take-all" system to proportional representation greatly increased the influence of minority viewpoints and ensured that candidates with substantial support, even if not winning outright, could still gain representation at the national convention.

• Affirmative Action: The commission also implemented affirmative action measures to increase the representation of women and minorities within the party's delegate selection process. Specific quotas were established to ensure that a more diverse pool of individuals were involved in selecting the party's presidential nominee.

• Enhanced Role of Primary Elections and Caucuses: The reforms significantly strengthened the role of primary elections and caucuses in choosing delegates. These became the primary means for selecting delegates, effectively shifting power away from party bosses and state delegations who often controlled delegate selection in the past. This emphasized the importance of grassroots participation in the nomination process.

Impact on the Democratic Party and American Politics:

The McGovern-Fraser Commission's reforms had a profound and lasting impact on the Democratic Party and broader American politics:

• Increased Participation: The reforms led to a dramatic increase in participation in primary elections and caucuses. More people felt empowered to participate in the selection of their party's presidential nominee.

• Rise of Grassroots Activism: The shift towards a more participatory and transparent process fueled the rise of grassroots activism within the Democratic Party. Candidates with strong grassroots support gained more traction.

• Shift in Party Power Dynamics: The reforms dramatically altered the power dynamics within the party. The influence of party bosses and establishment figures diminished, while the influence of ordinary party members and activists increased.

• Increased Diversity: The reforms significantly increased the diversity of the party's delegates, leading to a more representative body at the national convention. Women and minority groups gained substantially greater representation.

• Influence on Other Parties: Although the reforms were specifically targeted at the Democratic Party, they also influenced the Republican Party and other political organizations. Many of the principles of open primaries, proportional representation, and increased transparency have been adopted, to varying degrees, by other parties.

Criticisms and unintended Consequences:

While the McGovern-Fraser reforms had many positive aspects, they weren't without their criticisms and unintended consequences:

• Increased Factionalism: Some argued that the reforms inadvertently led to increased factionalism within the party, as competing groups vied for influence in the delegate selection process.

• Emphasis on "electability" over ideology: The increased focus on primaries, with their emphasis on broader appeal, was criticized for potentially marginalizing ideological purity and promoting candidates primarily focused on electability over policy positions.

• Frontloading of Primaries: The increased importance of primaries led to a phenomenon known as "frontloading," where states rushed to hold their primaries and caucuses earlier in the election cycle. This created a situation where early-voting states wielded disproportionate influence on the nomination process.

• Complexity and Cost: The new rules created a more complex and expensive process, making it more difficult for lesser-known candidates to compete effectively.

The McGovern-Fraser Commission: A Lasting Legacy:

Despite these criticisms, the McGovern-Fraser Commission's legacy is undeniable. Its reforms fundamentally reshaped the Democratic Party and set a new standard for the nomination process in American politics. While the commission’s work wasn't without flaws, it contributed significantly to a more inclusive, transparent, and representative system. The principles of open primaries, proportional representation, and affirmative action remain central components of the modern American presidential nominating process. It's a testament to the commission's enduring impact that, even decades later, its reforms continue to shape the selection of presidential candidates. Understanding its work is key to understanding the workings of the modern American political system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• What was the primary goal of the McGovern-Fraser Commission? The primary goal was to reform the Democratic Party's delegate selection process to make it more democratic, inclusive, and representative.

• What were the most significant changes implemented by the commission? The most significant changes included the move towards proportional representation, increased emphasis on primary elections and caucuses, affirmative action measures, and enhanced transparency in the delegate selection process.

• Did the reforms have any unintended consequences? Yes, some unintended consequences included increased factionalism, frontloading of primaries, and increased complexity and cost of the nomination process.

• How did the McGovern-Fraser reforms affect the power dynamics within the Democratic Party? The reforms shifted power away from party bosses and establishment figures towards ordinary party members and activists.

• What is the lasting legacy of the McGovern-Fraser Commission? The commission's lasting legacy includes a more inclusive, transparent, and participatory process for nominating presidential candidates, setting a standard that continues to influence American politics today.

Conclusion:

The McGovern-Fraser Commission represents a pivotal moment in the history of the Democratic Party and American politics. Its reforms, while not without flaws, fundamentally changed how presidential candidates are selected, leading to a more participatory and representative process. The commission's work serves as a case study in the ongoing efforts to balance democratic ideals with the practical realities of political organization. Its lasting influence on the American political landscape continues to shape the way we understand party politics and the selection of our leaders. By understanding the McGovern-Fraser Commission and its impact, we gain valuable insight into the complexities of the American political system and the ongoing quest for a more representative and democratic process.