NOT THAT KIND OF PARTY… POLITICAL PARTIES! Party Time!

Two Party System The United States has what is known as a two-party system. What does that mean? This is a form of party system where two major political parties, more or less equal in strength and influence, dominate in elections at all levels. Did you know: Political parties are never mentioned in the Constitution.

Throughout History Throughout the history of the United States, there have been two main political parties. Remember the Federalists and Anti-Federalists?? Today we have the Republican Party and the Democratic Party Freedom to create new parties exists, but the majority of voters believe their votes will only count when used to select a candidate from one of the two major parties.

Democratic The Democratic Party is the biggest and oldest political party in America. There are more than 72 million registered Democratic voters in the U.S. The Democratic party was started in Platform: equal opportunity, protecting the environment, healthcare for everyone Famous Democratic presidents: Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama

Republican The Republican Party is one of the major political parties in the U.S. There are more than 55 million registered Republicans in the U.S. Jackson, Michigan was the site of the first official Republican Party in Nickname: GOP = Grand Old Party Platform: personal responsibility, free market (buy/sell/trade goods without much gov involvement), low taxes and a strong national defense. Famous Republican presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and George Bush.

Party Animals? Democrats use a donkey as the symbol for their party. The donkey was first used as a symbol of the Democratic Party by Andrew Jackson. He had often been called a donkey, as they are known for being strong willed. Republicans use an elephant as the symbol for their party. The elephant first came into use in the 1800’s when it was used in a political cartoon to represent the Republican Vote. To see the cartoon, click HERE.HERE

Does that mean there are only two political parties? No, there are many political parties in the United States “Big 3” Third parties: Two Party System Libertarian Party Green Party Constitution Party Click each logo to view the respective party’s platform on their website.

Constitution Party Started as the “US Taxpayers Party” in 1992 and renamed Constitution Party in The goal of this party was to limit the federal Government to its Constitutional boundaries and restoring the fundamental principals America was founded upon. Platforms: strongly believes in pro-life, anti-gun control, anti-tax, anti-immigration, anti-gay rights, and pro- school prayer.

Green Party Believes people are part of nature and we should take care of plants, animals, and the environment. They believe that all people have a right to be treated fairly and justly and that healthy people and a healthy environment are very important. Also believe that we should think about how our actions today will affect future generations. California has the more registered Green Party voters than any other state

Libertarian Party Founded in 1971, labeled itself as “America’s largest third party”. Strong belief in the right of the individuals to exercise sole dominion over their own lives and property, and to live how they choose, so long as they do not interfere with others right to choose. Neither left nor right: they believe in pro-drug legalization, pro-choice, pro-gay marriage, pro-gun rights, etc)

Role of Political Parties Political parties are composed of individuals who share similar ideas about government. Those within a party share similar views on:  The role of government  Foreign policy  Taxes  Military and defense  The economy  Healthcare  And many other topics… Note: sometimes people may share views of both parties on different issues

Political Parties Today What function do political parties serve today?  Provide a forum to discuss public policies and issues with like- minded individuals and try to influence government  Establish a networking system where people can nominate candidates for office, raise money for candidates, and set up campaigns  Serve as an entry point for people to become involved in government  Give people a choice of candidates  Serve as a connection between state and national government

How does Your County Register VOTERS? When people register to vote, they are asked to include their political party affiliation. Which party has more members in your county? What do you think? Click HERE to find out!HERE

Registering to Vote IN FLORIDA: Be a Citizen of the United States of America (a lawful permanent resident is not a U.S. citizen); Be a Florida resident; Be 18 years old (you may pre-register to vote if you are 16 years old, but you cannot vote until you are 18 years old). Not now be adjudicated mentally incapacitated with respect to voting in Florida or any other state without having the right to vote restored; Not have been convicted of a felony without your civil rights having been restored; and Provide your current and valid Florida driver’s license number or Florida identification card number

Where do you stand? Using issues identified in the link below, see which party you align with as you explore the major 2012 campaign discussions. USATODAY: Candidate Match Game

What do you think? What do you think about our two party system? Is it working? There are 19 political parties identified in Florida on the Division of Elections web site. If you could align with any political party, where would you stand? IF you could create your own political party how would it be different from the choices we currently have?