Political Parties and Participation

Day 1: Political Parties

What Is a Party? A political party is a group of persons who seek to control government by winning elections and holding office. The two major parties in American politics are the Republican and Democratic parties. Parties can be principle-oriented, issue-oriented, or election-oriented. The American parties are election-oriented. 2 3 4 5 Chapter 5, Section 1

Functions of Political Parties Make policy preferences Set agendas Help select candidates for office Run campaigns Educate the electorate Organize the government One of the access points of special interests and individuals seeking help from the system. Act as a Watchdog—Parties that are out of power keep a close eye on the actions of the party in power for a blunder to use against them in the next election.

Section Review 1. A political party can be (a) principle-oriented. (b) issue-oriented. (c) election-oriented. (d) all of the above. 2. Political parties fulfill all of the following functions EXCEPT (a) acting as watchdog. (b) informing and activating supporters. (c) supplying all campaign funding. (d) governing by partisanship. Want to connect to the Magruder’s link for this chapter? Click Here! 2 3 4 5 Chapter 5, Section 1

The Nation’s First Parties Federalists Led by Alexander Hamilton Represented wealthy and upper-class interests Favored strong executive leadership and liberal interpretation of the Constitution Anti-Federalists Led by Thomas Jefferson Represented the “common man” Favored Congress as the strongest arm of government and a strict interpretation of the Constitution 1 2 4 5 Chapter 5, Section 3

American Parties: Eras The Three Historical Eras The Era of the Democrats, 1800—1860 Democrats dominate all but two presidential elections. The Whig Party emerges in 1834, but declines by the 1850s, electing only two Presidents. The Republican Party is founded in 1854. The Era of the Republicans, 1860—1932 Republicans dominate all but four presidential elections. The Civil War disables the Democratic Party for the remainder of the 1800s. The Return of the Democrats, 1932—1968 Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected President four times. 1 2 4 5 Chapter 5, Section 3

Section Review 1. The nation’s first two parties were (a) the Democrats and the Republicans. (b) the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. (c) the Democratic-Republicans and the Republican-Democrats. (d) the Federalists and the Republicans. 2. The Republican Party dominated the presidency from (a) 1932–1968. (b) 1860–1932. (c) 1800–1860. (d) 1783–1800. Want to connect to the Magruder’s link for this section? Click Here! 1 2 4 5 Chapter 5, Section 3

S E C T I O N 2 The Two-Party System Why does the United States have a two-party system? How do multiparty and one-party systems function and what are their influences on government? What membership characteristics do American parties have? 1 3 4 5 Chapter 5, Section 2

Why a Two-Party System? The Historical Basis. The nation started out with two-parties: the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. The Force of Tradition. America has a two-party system because it always has had one. Minor parties, lacking wide political support, have never made a successful showing, so people are reluctant to support them. The Electoral System. Certain features of government, such as single-member districts, are designed to favor two major parties. Ideological Consensus. Most Americans have a general agreement on fundamental matters. Conditions that would spark several strong rival parties do not exist in the United States. 1 3 4 5 Chapter 5, Section 2

Multiparty Systems Advantages Provides broader representation of the people. More responsive to the will of the people. Give voters more choices at the polls. Disadvantages Cause parties to form coalitions, which can dissolve easily. Failure of coalitions can cause instability in government. 1 3 4 5 Chapter 5, Section 2

Minor Parties in the United States 1 2 3 5 Chapter 5, Section 4

Why Minor Parties Are Important “Spoiler Role” Minor party candidates can pull decisive votes away from one of the major parties’ candidates, especially if the minor party candidate is from a splinter party. Critic Minor parties, especially single-issue parties, often take stands on and draw attention to controversial issues that the major parties would prefer to ignore. Innovator Often, minor parties will draw attention to important issues and propose innovative solutions to problems. If these proposals gain popular support, they are often integrated into the platforms of the two major parties. 1 2 3 5 Chapter 5, Section 4 Chapter 5, Section 4 Chapter 5, Section 4

Section Review 1. Types of minor parties in the United States include all of the following EXCEPT (a) ideological parties. (b) single-issue parties. (c) regulatory parties. (d) splinter parties. 2. Ross Perot, who ran as a third-party candidate in 1992 and 1996, falls into which minor party category? (a) single-issue party (b) splinter party (c) economic protest party (d) none of the above Want to connect to the Magruder’s link for this section? Click Here! 1 2 3 5 Chapter 5, Section 4

Day 2 Ideology/platform, polarization and centrist tendencies, Conservatism and Liberalism (Nolan Chart)

Political Ideology What is political ideology? One’s basic beliefs about power, political values, and the role of government Grows out of economical, educational, and social conditions and experiences 4 Main Ideologies in America Today Liberalism Conservatism Socialism Libertarianism Moderate (Middle of the Road)

Political Ideology: Liberalism What is a Liberal? (The Left) Supports active federal government in promoting individual welfare and supporting civil rights, and accepts peaceful political social change within the existing political system

Today’s Liberal (Democratic Party) The Democratic party traces its roots from the Democratic-Republican party of Jefferson. Democrats believe that: it is the responsibility of government to care of individuals The Central government must expand its influence business decisions should be guided by government officials Increase government taxes and spending to aid social programs and redistribute wealth Scale down military spending We should provide public education for all that is not burden with State Exams Lowering immigration requirements

Political Ideology: Conservatism What is a Conservative? (The Right) Promotes a limited government role in helping individuals economically, supports traditional values and lifestyles, favors a more active role for government in promoting national security, and approaches change cautiously

Political Ideology: Conservatism The New Right ( Radical Conservatives) Emerged in 1980’s Favors prayer in schools (Christian) Opposes abortion, pornography, affirmative action, homosexuality Believe government should help perform duties of family and church (impose social controls) Most famous group is Christian Coalition (led by Pat Robertson)

Political Ideology: Conservatism "The Constitution of the United States, for instance, is a marvelous document for self-government by the Christian people. But the minute you turn the document into the hands of non-Christian people and atheistic people they can use it to destroy the very foundation of our society. And that's what's been happening." – Pat Robertson, The 700 Club, Dec. 30, 1981 "The feminist agenda is not about equal rights for women. It is about a socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands …" -- Pat Robertson, fundraising letter, 1992 The New Right (Radical Conservatives) cont. Pat Robertson

Political Ideology: Liberals vs. Conservatives Representative Party Democratic Party Conservative Republican Party

Political Ideology: Liberals vs. Conservatives Business Some government regulation of business needed Agrees with the following: Affirmative Action Labor Unions Conservative Little government regulation Pro Business Does not agree with the following: Affirmative Action Labor Unions

Political Ideology: Liberals vs Political Ideology: Liberals vs. Conservatives: Taxes and Social Spending Liberals Increase Used to support social programs in the states like Welfare Medicaid and Medicare Homeless shelters Free clinics Shelters for battered women Soup kitchens Conservatives Decrease Social programs in the states should be supported through charities state taxes “Trickle Down Economics”

Political Ideology: Liberals vs. Conservatives Abortion Pro – Choice (For) Conservative Pro – Life (Against)

Political Ideology: Liberals vs. Conservatives Defense Spending Decrease Use more for social spending Conservative Increase or maintain

Political Ideology: Liberals vs. Conservatives Death Penalty Against it (Anti) Would like to see it banned by the national government Conservatives For it (Pro) “Eye for an eye”

Political Ideology: Liberals vs. Conservatives Government Size Big national government More government involvement Conservatives Small national government Less government involvement Bill Clinton Ronald Reagan

Political Ideology: Liberals vs. Conservatism Foreign Relations Negotiate first If U.S. in imminent danger, take action with allied support after all alternatives have been rejected Conservative Negotiate first If U.S. is in imminent danger, take pre-emptive action, even if allies do not support us

Political Ideology: Liberals vs. Conservatives Same Sex Marriage Believe it should be legal Not a moral issue, but an equality issue and it is protected by the Constitution Conservatives Believe it should not be legal Support a Constitutional Amendment to define marriage Is a moral issue tied to religion

Political Ideology: Liberals vs Political Ideology: Liberals vs. Conservatives Attitude Towards Criminals Liberals Want rights of accused protected first and foremost Interested in finding out “why” person committed crime Conservatives Want rights of victims protected first and foremost Not concerned with “why” person committed crime

Political Ideology: Liberals vs. Conservatives Doctor Assisted Suicide Believe it should be legal and protected by the courts Individual rights issue Conservatives Believe it should be illegal and not protected by the courts Suicide not an individual right protected

Political Ideology: Liberals vs. Conservatives Minimum Wage For it – would like to see it increased Believe national government should set it to protect workers Conservatives Against it – would like to see it end Believe it is too much regulation on business

Political Ideology: Liberals vs. Conservatives Social Security Believe it should be left in the hands of the federal government Conservatives Believe it should be privatized

Political Ideology: Liberals vs. Conservatives Health Care Should be 100% provided by the national government Conservatives Should continue to be de-regulated and left in the hands of independent, competing heath care providers

Political Ideology: Liberals vs. Conservatives Personal Responsibility Believe government sometimes needs to protect us from ourselves Conservatives Believe people are responsible for their own misfortune Should not rely on government for handouts

Political Ideology: Liberals vs. Conservatives Malpractice Lawsuits Lawsuits should be pursued and punitive damages awarded to victims should not be limited Conservatives Should be a cap on punitive damages awarded to victims

Political Ideology: Liberals vs. Conservatives Religion Want to keep clear and strict separation of church and state No religion in government policy Conservatives Would like to implement more religion into government policy Views largely based on religion

Political Ideology: Socialism What is Socialism? “It is the transitional stage between capitalism and communism.” – Karl Marx (Father of Socialism) American socialists favor an expanded role of govt. and share the following views: Public ownership of key industries Vast public job programs – all who want to work will be put to work (“Build jobs, not jails”) High taxes for wealthy Cut in defense spending – against war Social and economic equality is goal Against capitalist “free market economy” Healthcare and childcare provided for all Free post secondary education (college)

Political Ideology: Libertarianism What is Libertarianism? Ideology that cherishes individual liberty above all else, and favors a sharply limited state and federal government Has overtones of anarchism, liberalism, and conservatism Views include the following: Massive cuts in federal spending; reduce and eliminate taxes End to FBI/CIA (any federal government policing) Small defense (use only if attacked, no offensives) Complete withdrawal of all overseas U.S. military Elimination of all government programs (like welfare) Repeal laws regulating morality (abortion, porn, prostitution, recreational drugs) No government regulation (even seat belt or motorcycle helmet laws)

Political Ideology: Demographics

Nolan Chart

Nolan Chart

Party Coalitions The Republican Party appeals to rural and suburban dwellers, New Englanders (except Massachusetts), Mid-westerners, Westerners, white collar workers, older voters, WASPs, high income, high educated, the religious right, anti-abortion, conservatives. The Democratic Party appeals to urban dwellers, African Americans, Jews, *Catholics, other minorities, blue-collar workers, union members, lower educated, lower income, intellectuals, gay rights, women, pro-choice. Catholics and Southerners used to be Democrats, but are increasingly Republican.

Today’s Republican Party The Republican party is a product of Hamilton’s Federalist party Republicans believe that: Each person, and not the government is responsible for his or her own place in society. Downsize the federal government’s influence Leave economic decisions to the business and not the government Reduce government spending on social programs and lower taxes Increase military spending for security Privatize education and more exams Protect border from immigrants and crack down on illegal immigration.

Trump Versus Republicans Consistent Message Washington Outsider who intends challenge all politicians (no Patronage) Scale down American Commitments

Trump Versus Republicans Specific issues: abortion VA reform Immigration reform

Hillary Labor and workers’ rights LGBT rights and equality Small business Racial justice Gun violence prevention Fixing America’s infrastructure

Polarization and Centrism

Day 3: Party Organization

S E C T I O N 5 Party Organization Why do the major parties have a decentralized structure? How does the national party machinery and the State and local party machinery operate? What are the three components of the parties? What are the future possibilities for the major parties? 1 2 3 4 Chapter 5, Section 5

Structure and Organization of Political Parties National Convention National Committee National Chairperson Congressional campaign Committee State and Local Organization

Party Structure National Party Machinery National convention Meets in the summer of presidential years Performs duties of rules and platform No other role National committee Handles affairs of the party between conventions Committee representative from each state and territory and groups Not much power outside staging next convention

Party Structure National Chairperson Congressional Campaign Committee Leader of the National committee 4 year term after end of convention Directs work party HQ in Washington Focus on campaign, raising money, recruitment Congressional Campaign Committee Campaign committee in each house Focus on reelection of incumbents congressman Serve for 2 years

National Party Machinery The National Convention The National Chairperson The Congressional Campaign Committees The National Committee All four elements of both major parties work together loosely to achieve the party’s goals. 1 2 3 4 Chapter 5, Section 5

The Decentralized Nature of the Parties Both of the major parties are highly decentralized and fragmented. Why? The party out of power lacks a strong leader. The federal system distributes powers widely, in turn causing the parties to be decentralized. The nominating process pits party members against one another because only one person can chosen to be the party’s presidential candidate. 1 2 3 4 Chapter 5, Section 5

State and Local Party Machinery State and local party organization varies from State to State, but usually follow the general principles below. 1 2 3 4 Chapter 5, Section 5

The Three Components of the Party Party Components The Party Organization: Those who run and control the party machinery. The Party in the Electorate Those who always or almost always vote for party candidates. The Party in Government Those who hold office in the government. 1 2 3 4 Chapter 5, Section 5 Chapter 5, Section 5

Section Review 1. Where did the decentralized structure of the two major parties originate? (a) with the Fourteenth Amendment (b) popular opinion demanded decentralization (c) the Federalist nature of the government (d) all of the above 2. All of the following are factors in the present, weakened state of parties EXCEPT (a) split-ticket voting. (b) changes in the technology of campaigning. (c) scandal surrounding national conventions. (d) the growth of single-issue organizations. Want to connect to the Magruder’s link for this section? Click Here! 1 2 3 4 Chapter 5, Section 5

Day 4: Voting Suffrage Influences Campaigns and Finance

Voting The Rise of the American Electorate 1789 – white, male property owners 1850 – nearly all white adult males 1870 – 15th amendment, all men over 21 1920 – 19th amendment, all men and women over 21 1960’s voting rights 1971 – all men and women over 18

Presidential Elections Exploration Announcement/Press Conference Money, Organization, Strategy and Themes Primary Elections and caucuses: closed, open and blanket primaries Nominating Conventions Campaigning and the General Election The Electoral College (270 electoral votes needed to win)

Why is voter turnout so low? What would increase voter turnout in the future?

Voter Turnout Americans vote less, but participate more than people in other countries in other forms of political behavior. Younger voters are the least likely to vote. Restrictive laws and the burden of individual registration contribute to low voter turnout. Americans are skeptical Low Political efficacy

Day 5: Media, Public Opinion, Interest Groups

Interest Groups Interest groups are private organizations that try to persuade public officials to respond to the shared attitudes of their members Interest groups have been viewed with suspicion James Madison warned against the dangers of “factions” in Federalist # 10 Interest groups raise awareness in public affairs and allow members to achieve a common goal Represent their members Provide information to government

Techniques of Interest Groups Influencing public opinion Propaganda Lobbying Influencing elections – campaigning and contributing money through PACs Litigation

Types of Interest Groups Economic Interest Groups – business groups, trade associations, labor groups, agricultural groups, professional groups Groups that promote causes – ACLU, National Right to Life Committee, National Rifle Association, Sierra Club Groups that promote the welfare of certain groups – AARP, NAACP, Christian Coalition Public Interest Groups – League of Women Voters, Common Cause, MADD

Propaganda Techniques Circle the one that was used most often in last election for HW pass Circle the one that was used most often in last election for HW pass

ANALYZE 2 POLITICAL CARTOONS What are the symbols on the Cartoon and their meeting? Is the Cartoonist Republican or Democrat or other? Who is the target? What is the message?

The Media Print – magazines, newspapers Roles of the Media Print – magazines, newspapers Electronic – cable, satellite, network (“free”), radio, internet Mass Media Group Media Social Media Reporting the news Interpreting the news Influencing public opinion Setting the political agenda Socialization Providing a link between citizens and government

Rules Governing the Media The Federal Communications Commission was established in 1934 Rules relating to ownership, equal access air time, libel, slander First Amendment protects freedom of the press The Telecommunications Act of 1996 deregulated the media “self” censorship