1.We can identify the purpose of political parties. Success Criteria 12/7/2016 1.We can identify the purpose of political parties.  2.We can compare and contrast the ideas of the Republicans, Democrats and Third Parties.  3.We can analyze text in order to understand the views and influence of different third parties.  4.We can evaluate the role of third parties in Am Gov’t by writing arguments. Answer in a complete sentence Take out your notes from yesterday and turn to the side that says “Functions of Political Parties.” Complete 1-7 with a partner by deciding which function of parties is present in each scenario.

What do Political Parties do: Support politicians who are part of their political party. Raise money for these politicians. Plan party-sponsored events. Run commercials and ads for their party and its candidates. ELECT CANDIDATES PERSUADE VOTERS CRITICIZE OTHER PARTY

America is a two party system. Political Party An organization that brings together people with similar views to elect candidates that will represent them America is a two party system.

Do Parties Have Too Much Power? Big Question of the Day Do Parties Have Too Much Power?

Do Parties Have Too Much Power? Political Parties can show great influence over politicians by telling them how to vote. Even if a congressman may want to vote one way, the party can force them to vote how they want.

How do they do this? If a candidate chooses not to vote with his party, they can take away funding for future campaigns. This means candidates tend to vote for what their party tells them to do rather than what might be best for their voters.

When has this happened? Many Republican lawmakers were pressured to vote against the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) because the party told them too, even though many of their constituents have benefitted from the law.

Elections Parties can have a huge influence over who represents them in elections by giving out money to who they want to win In the race for Senate Chris Van Hollen received lots of funding, while another Democrat, Donna Edwards, did not. In emails leaked in 2016, the Democratic party clearly favored Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders

But what if you don’t want either group? Then what?

Ross Perot ran for President as an “Independent” in 1992 and 1996. Third Party Politics Political parties that represent people who do not share the beliefs of the Democrats or Republicans Ross Perot ran for President as an “Independent” in 1992 and 1996. Ralph Nader ran for President as a member of the “Green Party” in 2000 and 2004

Purpose of Third Parties Third Parties offer an alternative to the two major parties for those who do not fit into either one They introduce alternative political ideas that the major parties do not take up

Purpose of Third Parties “The electoral progress of third parties is in direct proportion to the failure of the two major parties to incorporate new ideas.” Ralph Nader and the Green Party in 2000

Purpose of Third Parties Major parties often take on the ideas of third parties In 1992, both the Republican and Democratic Parties took on Perot’s reform government ideas about reducing the deficit George Bush (Republican), Ross Perot (Reform), & Bill Clinton (Democrat) during 1992 Presidential debate

little guy vs. Big Guy In America, Third Political Parties have little to no chance of winning Democrats and Republicans raise millions of dollars more and push third parties out of the game

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Individual Reading

Quick 5 12/7 Do politicians get vote exactly how they want, or are they influenced by others? Do you think political parties have too much power? Why or why not?