The Center for Party Development considers party systems essential to democracy and the exercise of popular sovereignty. Through the effective operation of competitive party systems, shared social and political values are reinforced, political conflict is constructively harnessed, and an institutional alternative to warfare is available and supportive of vital features of democracy.
Political parties make possible consensual self-governance by human communities.
The Center for Party Development has a distinguished Board of Directors and Board of Advisors. The president of the Center, Dr. Ralph M. Goldman, has a long career of research and training in the political parties field and particular success as director of the Falk Foundation's American Politics Graduate Training Program at Michigan State University. Dr. Goldman is also author of From Warfare to Party Politics and The National Party Chairmen and Committees . The principal subjects of research, training, and popularization by the Center for Party Development are political party systems in the United States, around the world, and transnationally. Nearly 100 former Members of Congress respond to questions about the role of parties in the management of Congress.