Chapter 5 Political Parties

Section 1: Parties and What They Do What are the two main political parties in the United States? What do you know about these parties?

What is a Political Party? A group of persons who seek to control government through the winning of elections and the holding of public office. Elements -Party Organization -The Party in Government -The Party in the Electorate (People capable of voting)

The Party Organization Leaders, activists, and its many “hangers- on”—all those who give their time, money and skills, to the party.

Party in Government Party candidates and office holders, and people who run for, or hold elective or appointive offices in the executive, legislative and judicial branches.

What do Parties Do? Political Parties are essential to democratic government. They are often successful in their attempts to soften the impact of extremists at both ends of the political spectrum. Why is this important?

Nominating Candidates

Informing and Activating Supporters

Pg. 123 informing and activating supporters

Governing

The Watchdog Function

The Two- Party System Pg Last paragraph Chart- Pg. 126

Multiparty Systems Some critics argue that the American two- party system in the United States should be replaced with a multiparty system. In the multiparty system, the various parties are each based on a particular interest--- religious belief, economic class, political ideology. Supporters of the multiparty system claim that a change would provide for a broader representation of the electorate and be more responsive to the will of the people.

Multiparty Systems- Downfalls Multiparty systems tend to produce a broader, more diverse representation of the electorate. This leads to a party being able to win the support of a majority of voters.

One Party Systems In the typical dictatorship, only one political party is allowed to exist. Pg Last paragraph.

Section 2 Two- Party System in American History The beginnings of the American two- party system can be traced to the battle of ratification of the Constitution. Major Issue- Role of the government. First Political Parties -Federalists -Anti- Federalists

Federalists Formed by Alexander Hamilton. Party of the “rich and well- born.” Most had supported the Constitution. Wanted to create a strong national government. Appealed to financial, manufacturing, and commercial interests.

Anti- Federalists Led by Thomas Jefferson More sympathetic to the “common man.” Favored a limited role for the new government. Policies should help the nation’s small shopkeepers, laborers, and farmers. By 1828, became the Democratic party.

Era of Democrats:

Era of Republicans:

Era of Democrats:

Era of Divided Government: Today

Era of Divided Government Read- Pg Questions?

Section 4 Party Organization The two major parties are often described as though they were highly organized, close- knit, well disciplined groups. However, neither party is anything of the kind. Republicans and Democrats are highly decentralized, fragmented, and plagued by factions and internal squabbling.

The Role of the Presidency

The Nominating Process

National Party Machinery At the national level, both major parties are composed of basic elements. – National Convention – Congressional Campaign Committees

National Party Convention Philadelphia Democratic National Convention- 2012

Congressional Campaign Committees Work to reelect incumbents and to make sure that “open seats” remain in the party. Main job- Get their party elected.

State and Local Machinery State Organization In most states, party structure is decentralized, most structure is at the national level. Usually built around a State central committee, headed by a state chairperson, and composed of members who represent major geographic regions, usually counties.

Local Organization Very difficult to describe. Varies state to state. Ward- A unit into which cities are often divided for the election of city council members. Precinct- The smallest unit of election administration. The voters in each precinct cast their ballots at one polling place. MontcoCommittees MontcoCommittees