POL 101: Responsible Citizenship Political Parties

Political Ideology and Political Parties I.Why Political parties? II.Brief history of political parties III.Democrats and Republicans IV.Third parties?

Why Political Parties? 1.Turn individuals into groups 2.Mobilize voters 3.Provide a space/platform for public debate 4.Shortcut/voting cue for the public

Brief history of Political Parties American Civil War – Democrats and Republicans Progressive/Populist Era New Deal Era 1960s Republican Contract with America Divided government good?

Democrats and Republicans For a good look at different political parties, visit this website: In general, you can expect that parties fit the left- right continuum as illustrated by the next slide. However, do not equate party with ideology; there are distinct differences.

Democrats and Republicans   Anarchy Socialism Liberalism Centrism Conservatism Statism/Fascism Green Party Democrats Republicans Constitution Party America First party Libertarians Libertarians are difficult to place on a linear spectrum; they can encompass views from both sides of the spectrum.

Differences between party and ideology Party values shift based on geography and cultural values of an area; ideology remain same over time Party labels given based on proximity to ideology but not clear indication of ideology Ideology is not consistent whereas party often is over time

Third Parties Why 2 party system? 1.Institutional – single member districts = winner take all system 2.Tradition – same two parties for over 100 years 3.Finances – who to support? Usually the ones that have been there, done that 4.Issues – major parties “raid” third party issues