Splash Screen

Section 1-5 The Two-Party System Anyone may join a political party. You simply declare yourself a member. The United States has had two major parties, or a two-party system, during most of the country’s history. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 218–219)

Section 1-6 The Two-Party System (cont.) Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton disagreed strongly about how the government should operate. Hamilton wanted a strong national government and strong president. Jefferson wanted less power for the national government and more for state governments. Two rival political groups formed around these two leaders. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 218–219)

Section 1-7 The Two-Party System (cont.) Jefferson’s group was called the Democratic-Republican Party. Jefferson’s party grew stronger. Hamilton’s group, the Federalist Party, faded away In 1828, the Democratic-Republican Party split, and the new leader Andrew Jackson aligned with the Democratic Party. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 218–219)

Section 1-8 The Two-Party System (cont.) The Whigs (or National Republicans) rose in 1830, and the Whigs and Democrats remained the two major parties until the 1850s. (pages 218–219)

Section 1-9 The Two-Party System (cont.) In 1854 breakaway Democrats and Whigs who opposed slavery formed the Republican Party. The Whigs lost support. Abraham Lincoln became the first Republican president in Since then, Republicans and Democrats have been our two major parties. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 218–219)

Section 1-24 Today’s Major Parties Democrats tend to believe that the federal government should be more directly involved in regulating the economy and providing for the poor. Republicans tend to believe that if they help the economy grow, poor people will have a better chance of finding jobs and providing for themselves. They believe in less regulation. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (page 222)

Section 1-11 Third Parties Third parties sometimes challenge the two major parties. A third party has never won a presidential election and rarely wins other major elections. Third parties can influence the outcome of elections and may influence policy. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 219–221)

Section 1-12 Third Parties (cont.) Farmers and laborers formed the Populists in the 1890s. They called for the direct election of senators and an eight-hour working day. They did not win, but the two major parties adopted many of their ideas. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 219–221)

Section 1-13 Third Parties (cont.) In 1912, former Republican president Theodore Roosevelt ran for president for the Progressives, or Bull Moose Party. He won enough votes away from the Republican candidate, William Howard Taft, that Democrat Woodrow Wilson won the election. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 219–221)

Section 1-14 Third Parties (cont.) Some third parties arise to promote a social, economic, or moral issue. The Prohibitionist Party pushed for laws against the sale of alcohol. Single-issue parties fade when the issue loses importance or a major party adopts it. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 219–221)

Section 1-15 Third Parties (cont.) Ideological parties focus on changing society in major ways. The Socialist Labor Party and Communist Party favor government ownership of factories, resources, and farmland. The Libertarian Party wants more individual freedom. The Green Party opposes the power of corporations. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 219–221)

Section 1-16 Third Parties (cont.) Some third parties form around well-known individuals who cannot get support from a major party. Such parties fade after their candidate’s defeat. Republican and Democratic candidates are automatically placed on the ballot in many states. Third-party candidates must obtain a large number of signatures to get on the ballot. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 219–221)

Section 3-4 Nominating Candidates Political parties are active year-round. They keep people informed and interested in issues and candidates. They try to see that the party’s elected officials do a good job. They politically criticize actions of the opposing party. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 227–229)

Section 3-5 Nominating Candidates (cont.) Parties select candidates through the nomination process. In direct primaries, voters in each state choose candidates to represent the party in a general election. Often the winner of the most primaries wins the party’s nomination. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 227–229)

Section 3-6 Nominating Candidates (cont.) Most states hold closed primaries in which only declared party members may vote for the party’s nominees. A few states hold an open primary in which voters need not declare a party preference to vote for the party’s nominees. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 227–229)

Section 3-9 Other Party Roles Parties raise money for the campaign and help get the candidates’ views across to the public. They make sure supporters are registered to vote and actually vote. Through campaign pamphlets, speeches, and advertising, parties inform citizens about issues and the way government works. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 229–230)

Section 3-10 Other Party Roles (cont.) After an election, party leaders recommend party supporters for government jobs to be filled by appointment rather than through the civil service process. Party ties aid cooperation among levels and branches of government. Shared views and relationships within a party make it easier for members to work together. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 229–230)

Section 3-11 Other Party Roles (cont.) Parties play a “watchdog” role. The party out of power watches the actions of those in power for mistakes and misuse of power. Competition between parties forces the party in power to pay attention to the will of the people. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 229–230)

Section 2-4 National Party Organization The goal that unites a party’s national, state, and local organizations is to help the party win as many offices as possible. Each party has a national committee made up of representatives from every state. It raises funds for presidential elections and organizes the party’s national convention. A national party chairperson runs the committee. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 223–224)

Section 2-5 National Party Organization (cont.) At the national convention, party delegates from all states write the platform and nominate candidates for president and vice president. Each party chooses delegates in primary elections and caucuses, or meetings, of state and local party organizations. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 223–224)

Section 2-8 State and Local Organization Each party has 50 state organizations that work to elect their party’s candidates for national office. Local party organizations consist of city, town, and county committees. They include the party’s elected officials. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 224–226)

Section 2-9 State and Local Organization (cont.) Each city or county is divided into election districts or precincts. A precinct is a geographic area that contains a specific number of voters. It may be an entire small town or part of a large city. All voters in a precinct use the same voting place. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 224–226)

Section 2-10 State and Local Organization (cont.) A precinct captain organizes other party volunteers and encourages people to vote. Several adjoining precincts make up a ward. A volunteer represents the ward at the party’s county committee. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 224–226)

Section 2-12 State and Local Organization (cont.) Local party people build support at the “grassroots” level. Local leaders must know how their neighbors feel about issues important to them. At election time they must “deliver the vote” for party candidates at every level. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 224–226)

Section 2-13 State and Local Organization (cont.) In the past, some local party organizations became so powerful that they were called political machines. In the 1800s and early 1900s, the Tammany Hall organization ruled New York City. Its leader, “Boss” Tweed, grew rich from bribes and kickbacks. At a time when no social service agencies existed, political machines provided needy citizens with jobs, food, and other services in return for votes. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 224–226)

Section 2-14 State and Local Organization (cont.) Membership in a political party is not required, but it offers a way for citizens to be involved in politics. The only duty is to vote. Members can choose to contribute money, do volunteer work, or help with election campaigns. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 224–226)