Political Parties

I. What is a political party? A. A political party is a group of persons who seek to control government through the winning of elections and the holding of public office. B. Party loyalists included: 1. Party organization 2. Party in government 3. Party in the electorate

II. Importance of the Political Parties A. Vital link between the people and government B. Parties are “power brokers” C. Soften the impact of extremists on both sides of the political spectrum

III. Role of the Political Party A. Nominating a candidate B. Informing and activating supporters C. Find candidates that are qualified and on message D. Govern E. Help government run smoothly F. Watchdog function

IV. Two Party System A. Only the Republican and Democratic candidates have a reasonable chance of winning for a couple reasons: 1. Money 2. History 3. Tradition 4. Electoral System 5. Election law 6. American ideology

B. Issues with a two party system: 1. Third Party candidates do not have chance in national elections 2. Raising Money 3. Status Quo 4. One party politics

V. Function of the National Political Party A. National Convention B. National Committee C. National Chairperson D. Two Congressional Campaign Committees 1. House and Senate

VI. History of the Political Parties A. Federalists 1. Led by Hamilton 2. Believed the wealthy and educated should lead (New England) 3. Favored strong central government 4. Emphasized manufacturing, shipping and trade 5. Loose Interpretation 6. Pro-British (wealthy aristocracy) 7. Favored National Bank and protective tariffs 8. Focused on order and stability

B. Democratic Republicans 1.Led by Jefferson 2. Believed People should have political power (Southerners) 3.Favored Strong state governments 4.Emphasized farming 5.Strict Interpretation 6.Pro-French (revolution 1789) 7. Opposed National Bank and protective tariffs. 8. Focuses on civil liberties for individuals

VII. Other Political Parties A.Federalists would only elect two Presidents then fade away B.Whig Party would emerge as challenger to the Democrats C.Democratic-Republicans would become just Democrats (Jefferson to Jackson)

D.Republican Party was established in 1854 as Northern Democrats, former whigs, and Free Soilers were looking for a party. 1. Main party platform: Stop the spread of slavery into the territories

2.Lincoln would be the first President from the Republican Party 3.Helped to win the Civil War and end slavery.

VIII. Changes to the Political Parties A.Southern Democrats (former Confederates) would reemerge and take back power in the South ending Reconstruction and brought about Jim Crow laws. 1.“Solid South”

B.Progressive movement would bring more government regulation from both Republicans and Democrats. C.Other than Teddy Roosevelt, most Republicans would be anti-regulation by the government

D. Democrats controlled the South until the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Voting Rights Act of E. Nixon would use the discontent of Christian conservative whites to take control for Republicans. 1. Silent Majority

F. Republicans would make strides in the 1980s-2000s to solidify the Southern states in elections. G. Republicans currently control both Houses of Congress

IX. Future of the Two Political Parties? A. What do you think the country will look like going forward? 1. Democrats? 2. Republicans?