Student Scholarship

Document Type

Research Paper

Abstract

This 1952 report by Mary Elizabeth Banta provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of the governing bodies of the two major American political parties during the mid-twentieth century. The study examines the evolution of these committees from their 19th-century origins—the Republican National Committee (RNC) in 1856 and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in 1848—to their roles as permanent agencies managing party affairs between national conventions.

The research highlights significant structural similarities, noting that both committees are composed of one man and one woman from each state. However, minor differences in membership exist due to varying representation for territories, resulting in 104 members for the RNC and 108 for the DNC. Personnel typically hail from the upper economic strata, including business and professional men, officeholders, and civic-minded women who possess the "personality traits and general abilities" to win party confidence.

Functionally, both committees are responsible for calling and organizing national conventions, managing presidential campaigns, and maintaining specialized headquarters in Washington, D.C.. The report distinguishes the RNC’s more extensive and specialized internal divisions, such as its dedicated Negro and Veterans' units, from the DNC's reliance on regional chairmen to handle sectional issues like land and water conservation. Despite these operational nuances, the author concludes that neither body holds "dictatorial" power over state organizations, serving instead as a guiding light and service provider for their respective party federations. Ultimately, the report positions the national committees as vital engines for party unity and electoral success.

Research Highlights

  • The Problem: Describing the specific structure, personnel, and functional purposes of the Republican and Democratic National Committees, as generalized texts often leave structural and functional differences untouched. 

  • The Method: Qualitative research involving the analysis of party manuals, handbooks, and history texts, supplemented by direct interviews with staff from the Research and Women’s Divisions of both committees. 

  • Quantitative Finding: The Republican National Committee (RNC) consists of 104 members while the Democratic National Committee (DNC) consists of 108; interim staff sizes are approximately 61 for the RNC and 65 for the DNC; the RNC payroll reached 132 persons during the 1948 campaign.

  • Qualitative Finding: National Committees act as permanent agencies between conventions but lack legal authority over state organizations; the DNC requires an annual meeting before March 1, whereas RNC meetings are primarily called by the Chairman or via member petition; both committees function as service providers for candidates rather than policy-making bodies.

Publication Date

1-1952

Faculty Sponsor

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