Political Parties and Voter Behavior

Objective Students will summarize key information about political parties in the US in written note form using information from a lecture and assess their political philosophy by taking a quiz and making generalizations about conservatives and liberals based on the quiz.

Warm Up (see paper) Based on your current knowledge, what are some of the differences between the 2 major political parties in the US? Brainstorm/Discuss at your tables and make a list of 3-5 basic beliefs and/or descriptions of each party: Republicans (“Conservatives”) - Democrats (“Liberals”)

History of Political Parties The Founders never anticipated political parties becoming an issue In reality, the first 2 parties were the Anti Federalists Federalists Colonists didn’t want parties because it promoted divisions and disunity

Why we have a 2 party system Historically- it really was there from the beginning Traditions- we can’t seem to not do it The electoral college- only allows one candidate from a party American ideological consensus- WE LIKE IT AND WON’T CHANGE!

Party Choice Factors that affect party choice include: Family influence, Religion, Education Age, Gender, Ethnicity, Major Events Residence, Geography Occupation, Income Ideology – a set of values/beliefs PARTISANSHIP: the strong support of one’s party and its policy stands.

5 Functions of a Political Party Nominating Candidates Influencing Policy Creating Balance in Government Uniting Government Informing Citizens

Political Spectrums & Compasses Movement from conservative (right) to liberal (left) – Where are you? Explain. LIBERAL CONSERVATIVE In this type of evaluation, your attitudes about government rely on views of economics and social issues in response to government action. You are not usually exclusively one or the other, you may “lean” more to the right or the left.

Are You a Liberal or a Conservative? Take the political ideology profile test. Mark answers Yes or No- YOU MUST TAKE A POSITION! Afterwards, we will figure out if you are more liberal or more conservative in your political philosophy.

The Party “lines”

Day Two- Applying Political Ideology to Current Events Objective Students will be able to apply conservative and liberal political ideologies to current events in order to predict how a conservative or liberal would vote on current election issues.

Basic Party Platforms On social issues, what do each of the parties generally think about….

Abortion Death Penalty Environmentalism Energy Prolife Pro- Choice For it Against it Environmentalism Protect it Use it more liberally Energy Big push for alternative energy Slowly move into alternative energy

Power of National Government Immigration Tighten border control Make our country more accessible War and Diplomacy More apt to use military force More apt to work with organizations like the United Nations Power of National Government National government should regulate education, health care, etc. State governments should regulate education, health care, etc.

Government Budgets Taxes For “balancing” the budget More apt to spend liberally Taxes Increase taxes Reduce taxes as much as possible

Voter Behavior According to the US Constitution, aliens are allowed to vote if they become citizens The oldest minimum age a state can set for voters is 18 If you register to vote, you have to provide the following information Name, age, place of birth, address, length of residence Some groups are barred from voting. These include People in mental facilities Incompetent individuals Those convicted of a serious crime

Voter Behavior Elections that have the highest voter turnout are presidential election years Some people choose not to vote because Don’t think it matters Lack of interest Too much time, effort