Political Parties
Bell Ringer What is the purpose of a political party? What functions do they serve? Who do they represent?
Republican Party Founded: 1854 Grand Old Party (GOP) Conservative Former Presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush
Democratic Party Founded: 1828 Liberal, Progressive Former Presidents: Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton
Functions Support Candidates Local, State, National Politicians Fundraise Platform Issues Campaigning Political Advertisements Representation Conventions
Obama Wins Democratic Nomination-2008
Issues Abortion Gay Rights Gun Rights Tax Hikes Tax Cuts Health Care Immigration Corporate Regulations Environmental Protection Military/Defense Small Government Big Government Social Programs
Assignment Form groups of 4 students Assignment: Create a video on the four political issues your group is assigned and explain each issue and the positions that the Democrats and Republicans have on them.
Political Issues Group 1: Issues # 1-4 Group 2: Issues # 5-8 1. Abortion 2. Global Warming 3. Gun Rights 4. Illegal Immigration 5. Guantanamo Bay 6. Gay Marriage 7. Defense Spending 8. Don't Ask Don't Tell 9. Welfare 10. Unions 11. Environmental Protections 12. Death Penalty 13. Oil Drilling 14. Social Security 15.Universal Health Care 16. Campaign Finance Reform 17.Tax Cuts 18. Tax Raises 19. Affirmative Action 20. Stem Cell Research Group 1: Issues # 1-4 Group 2: Issues # 5-8 Group 3: Issues # 9-12 Group 4: Issues #13-16 Group 5: Issues #17-20