PowerPoint #1: Political Parties Government Unit 2 PowerPoint #1: Political Parties

Crash Course Video #40 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEmOUHxessE

Directions for this PPT: This is a LONG PPT. READ EVERYTHING and THINK ABOUT IT! Do not write everything down Write each slide’s heading on the left Summarize each slide on the right side of your notes Answer all questions

Essential Questions What are the benefits of having political parties? What would be the alternative if we did not have political parties? Why is having a two party system good for America?

Political Parties Definition: a group of people, joined together on the basis of common principles, who seek to control government, through the winning of elections, in order to affect certain public polices and programs. a group with common interests who organize to win elections, control government, and influence policy.

Party Systems One-Party System – (aka “no-party system”) Usually found in dictatorships or countries that are dominated by one of the major parties with no real opposition. Also exist in places where government is dominated by one religion (theocracy). Online research – write down: Name some countries that are currently under dictatorships Name some countries whose government is dominated by one religion

Multi-Party Systems Definition: a system in which several major and minor parties seriously compete for and win elections. Usually found in Europe – many believe this system represents broader interests. Difficulty is in building coalitions (temporary alliance of several groups who come together to form a working majority to control a government) Tend to be politically unstable.

Two-Party Systems Only the two major parties have a reasonable chance of winning an election in the United States. We do have more than two parties but they are weak/minor parties. The U.S. began as a two-party system with the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists and have changed parties over time but always stayed with a system of two strong political parties

Hamilton vs. Jefferson Political parties first emerged when followers of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson disagreed over major issues on the Constitution and government. Jefferson’s group: Democratic-Republicans Feared a powerful central government Wanted states to hold more power Hamilton’s group: Federalists Championed a strong national government

The Two-Party System in American History 1780 - 1800 Federalists Anti-Federalists 1800 - 1860 Whigs Democratic–Republicans 1860 - current Republicans Democrats

Political Spectrum Left Right

Extreme Cases of the Political Spectrum Left Right Radicals Move forward quickly Reactionaries Go back to the old days

Democratic Party In 1828, the Democratic Party formed under guidance of President Andrew Jackson Stood for the common citizen Looked out for southern and western interests Supported slavery

Whigs Those who did not support Jackson formed their own party called the Whigs These two parties dominated American politics for 20 years In the 1850’s the Whig party dissolved due to disputes over slavery

Republican Party In 1854, the Republican Party formed Opposed slavery spreading in the U.S. territories Became prominent with the election of republican Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency in 1860

Presidents and their Political Party Washington Adams Federalist Jefferson Democratic-Republican Madison Democratic-Republican Monroe Democratic-Republican Adams Democratic-Republican Jackson Democratic Van Buren Democratic Harrison Whig Tyler Whig Polk Democratic Taylor Whig Fillmore Whig Pierce Democratic Buchanan Democratic Lincoln Republican Johnson Democratic Grant Republican Hayes Republican Garfield Republican Arthur Republican Cleveland Democratic Harrison Republican Cleveland Democratic McKinley Republican Roosevelt Republican Taft Republican Wilson Democratic Harding Republican Coolidge Republican Hoover Republican Roosevelt Democratic Truman Democratic Eisenhower Republican Kennedy Democratic Johnson Democratic Nixon Republican Ford Republican Carter Democratic Reagan Republican Bush Republican Clinton Democratic Obama Democratic Trump Republican

Look at the last slide and answer these questions: How many democrat presidents have we had? How many republican presidents? Who was the 1st democrat president? Who was the 1st republican president? What causes the American people to choose a president from a different political party so often? Do you think it is generally for economic, social, environmental, or cultural issues that drive the change?

Terms that define our Political Parties Democrats Liberal – Left Beliefs Big government Strict regulations More social programs Pro-Choice Gun restrictions Smaller military Republicans Conservative – Right Beliefs: Small government Less regulations Less taxes/spending Pro-Life 2nd Amendment rights Strong military

Party Platform Comparisons

What is the difference between a liberal and a conservative? Equal rights of all individuals Government protection and assistance Gradual change Issues Equal rights for all Social services Government assistance Conservative Personal empowerment Limited government Personal liberty Keep the status quo Issues Less taxation/assistance More traditional values More economic independence

Local/Area Party Organizations Local Party Organization Precinct – the basic (smallest) local unit or voting district. When you vote, you vote at a local polling place within your precinct. Precinct Captain – a volunteer worker who organizes party workers, distributes information about candidates and gets people out to vote. Ward – a larger unit made up of several precincts. Each ward selects a representative to send to the county committee. Each county sends representatives to the state level.

Analyze California's 2016 Democrat Primary Election

Party Organization at the National Level National Party Organization National Convention – nominates presidential candidates, adopts party platform National Committee – controls platform and policies between conventions National Chairperson – leader of the national committee, serves for 4 years, directs convention and campaign, raises money, recruits voters, etc.

Functions of Political Parties Recruiting/Nominating Candidates – parties seek people who have the personal qualities, background, and ability to get elected. Inform/Activate the Public – inform, inspire, and activate public interest and participation in public affairs. Bring important issues to the attention of the public.

Functions of Political Parties – cont. Operate Government/Govern – congressional leadership is organized by party, party leaders try to gather member support for party sponsored legislation, the President works through party leaders to promote his programs. “Watch Dog”- observes and criticizes the party in opposing party. Tries to offer other solutions, point out shortcoming/failures, wants to swing public opinion to their party’s favor.

Essential Questions What are the benefits of having political parties? What would be the alternative if we did not have political parties? Why is having a two party system good for America?