LibGuides: Political Science: Parties and PACS

Think Tanks

The selected think tanks below were chosen in an effort to present organizations that represent a broad spectrum of political thought in the United States. There are many more thinks tanks worthy of mention. For a complete list, see the Think Tank Directory from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.

Think Tank Search
A think tanks search from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.
The Heritage Foundation
"Founded in 1973, The Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institution—a think tank—whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense."
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
"A nonpartisan global public policy institution, the Wilson International Center has, throughout its 43–year history, upheld its mission to commemorate the ideals of President Wilson."
The Cato Institute
Founded in 1977, "The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization — a think tank — dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues."
Brookings Institution
"The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct high-quality, independent research...[and] is proud to be consistently ranked as the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tank."
American Enterprise Institute
"AEI is a private, nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution dedicated to research and education on issues of government, politics, economics, and social welfare. Founded in 1943, AEI is home to some of America's most accomplished public policy experts--from economics, law, political science, defense and foreign policy studies, ethics, theology, health care, and other fields. The Institute sponsors research and conferences and publishes books, monographs, and periodicals."
Center for American Progress
"The Center for American Progress is dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through progressive ideas and action...[It was] founded in 2003 to provide long-term leadership and support to the progressive movement."
Council on Foreign Relations
"The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher."
Pew Research Center for the People & the Press
"The Pew Research Center for the People & the Press is an independent, non-partisan public opinion research organization that studies attitudes toward politics, the press and public policy issues."

Major Political Parties

Democratic National Committee
The national arm of the Democrat Party.
Republican National Committee
The national arm of the Republican Party.

Minor Parties

According to Politics1.com, three minor parties have distinguished themselves in terms of ballot accessibility and votes received in the past several election cycles. They are listed below. Additionally, you'll find a link to Project Vote Smart's list of all political parties in the United States.

The Constitution Party
Founded in 1992, the Constitution Party changed its name in 1999 to reflect their goal of returning the U.S. government to its constitutional limits and provisions.
The Green Party of the United States
The Green Party was formed after the 1996 elections and seek to develop a viable third party option using community organizing methods.
The Libertarian Party
The Libertarian Party was established in 1971 and claims to be the third largest political party in the United States.
Other minor parties
Project Vote Smart's list of all political parties in the United States.

Political Organizations

American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ)
"The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) and its globally affiliated organizations are committed to ensuring the ongoing viability of freedom and liberty in the United States and around the world."
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
"The ACLU is our nation's guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country."
Center for Responsive Politics
"The Center for Responsive Politics is the nation's premier research group tracking money in U.S. politics and its effect on elections and public policy. Nonpartisan, independent and nonprofit, the organization aims to create a more educated voter, an involved citizenry and a more transparent and responsive government."
The Christian Coalition
"The Coalition is a political organization, made up of pro-family Americans who care deeply about ensuring that government serves to strengthen and preserve, rather than threaten, our families and our values. To that end, we work continuously to identify, educate and mobilize Christians for effective political action. "
MoveOn.org
"MoveOn.org Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, formerly known just as MoveOn.org, primarily focuses on education and advocacy on important national issues. MoveOn.org Political Action, a federal PAC, formerly known as MoveOn PAC, mobilizes people across the country to fight important battles in Congress and help elect candidates who reflect our values."
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
"The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination."
National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL)
An organization dedicated to advocating the Pro-Choice position and working to advance their viewpoint in society and politics.
National Right to Life (NRLC)
An organization advocating the Pro-Life position and striving to promote their view in society and politics.
National Organization of Women (NOW)
Founded in 1966, "The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States" and seeks to "bring about equality for all women."
National Rifle Association
Founded in 1871, the NRA is "widely recognized today as a major political force and as America's foremost defender of Second Amendment rights [and] the NRA has, since its inception, been the premier firearms education organization in the world."
Tenth Amendment Center
The Tenth Amendment Center is a national think tank that works to preserve and protect the principles of strictly limited government through information, education, and activism. The center serves as a forum for the study and exploration of state and individual sovereignty issues, focusing primarily on the decentralization of federal government power as required by the Constitution.

Political Action Committees

PACs Directory from Opensecrets.org
A good source of information on Political Action Committees and where the money goes.