Political Parties Ch. 9

Party Systems One Party System Two Party System Multi-Party System Only 1 party is allowed to exist China, Cuba Two Party System U.S. – Democrats & Republicans There are other parties but are a minority Multi-Party System Found in many European countries Plurality – one party wins more seats than all others Majority – one party wins more than half of available seats Coalition – alliance with another party Problems – tough to get a majority & can cause disorder & confusion

Which of the following best describes the Electoral College? The popular vote carries more weight This primary race helps narrow the field of candidates It is a body of electors who pledge to vote for a candidate after the popular vote It is a way that citizens can propose new constitutional amendments

U.S. Party System Washington & Madison warned against parties Jefferson – anti-Federalist – became Democratic-Republicans Hamilton & Adams – Federalist Era of Good Feelings – Monroe Only 1 party – Federalists died out after the War of 1812 Whigs rise to power against Jackson’s Democrats Civil War – Republicans rose to power as opponents to slavery

Third Parties Parties that challenge the 2 dominant parties Never held the presidency Influence the candidates for presidency Can steal votes from a party causing the other dominant party to win Populist Party – 1890s – farmers Progressive Party – aka Bull Moose Party Reform Party – formed in 1992 – gained 19% of vote

3rd Parties Based on 3 things Can be one or all three Single Issue – Ex: Green Political Beliefs – Libertarian – limited gov’t interference on business Single Candidates – Ross Perot Ron Paul - 2008 Almost Hillary Clinton in 2008

Third Parties in US History Ross Perot Reform Party 1992 George Wallace American Independent Party 1968 Ralph Nader Green Party 2000, 2004 Teddy Roosevelt Bull Moose Party (Progressive) 1912

Which of the following is the legal duty of citizenship? Register and vote Hold elective office Keep informed about issues Obey laws

Political Party Functions Main purpose – to get candidates elected to office Encourage people to participate Express opinions Get involved in government Patronage – giving special positions to loyal party workers

Political Party Functions cont. Parties nominate the candidate Campaign for the candidate Inform citizens Help manage government Link different levels of government Act as a watchdog – make sure the other party doesn’t become corrupt Grassroots movement – idea that starts with a group of people and moves to the national scene

Party Beliefs Political Machine – strong party organization that has its candidates elected year after year and dominates a local area – Tammany Hall Platform – the goals of the party or stance on all issues Plank – a party’s stance on one issue

Famous Political Machines Chicago Democratic Machine Richard J. Daley (50s, 60s, and 70s) Richard M. Daley (1989 – present) Other major cities have political machines

Party Organization National Chairperson Precinct Committeemen At the top Runs the national committee Followed by state, county, city etc Precinct Committeemen Smallest – a neighborhood committee Ward Boss Second smallest Runs a couple of neighborhoods Look at the chart on page 280 for help

Example of Voter Precincts

Party Organization Reince Priebus Tim Kaine Linda Daves David Young 15

Nominating Candidates Caucus – meeting of party members Nominating Convention – delegates are chosen by party members to select the candidate Direct Primary Elections – registered voters choose the candidates – 2 types Open Primary – party membership not required to vote Closed Primary – only registered party members can vote