Unit 3: Political Parties and Interest Groups

Political Parties Political Party: A group (“party”) of people with broad common interests who organize to win elections, control government, and influence politics. Different party systems exist throughout the world.

One Party System Only one party exists, and that party is the government. Decisions are made by party leaders, which also creates governmental policies. Party tolerates no opposition. Does the government tolerate opposition? Typically found in (authoritarian) autocracies and theocracies.

Multiparty System Most common system. Parties represent differing ideologies and basic beliefs about government. Most unstable. Coalition governments: several parties combine forces to obtain a majority and control the government.

Two Party System Two parties compete for power, although minor parties may exist. This is the US.

Political Party History in the US In the beginning, there were ______ political parties. People were warned about political parties by __________ ___________ (Farewell Address, 1796) and James Madison (Federalist 10). However, two parties formed: the ___________, who favored a strong federal government, and the Democratic Republicans, who wanted _____________ to be stronger. zero George Washington Federalists states

Political Party History in the US The Federalists find a leader in _____________, while the Democratic-Republicans follow the ideas of __________ ____________. The Democratic-Republicans will __________ in the 1820s, creating two more parties: the _____________, who will strongly back Andrew Jackson, and the _____________. John Adams Thomas Jefferson split Democrats Whigs

Political Party History in the US The Democrats will split in the 1850s, due mainly to mixed beliefs on _____________. The Whigs will welcome those who __________ it, and become known as the ______________. By this time, the Federalists have faded into a thing of the past. slavery oppose Republicans

Political Party History in the US The two parties that exist after the 1850s are? THESE ARE NOT THE MODERN PARTIES!! Republicans will hold the major offices until 1932; Democrats will only win four presidential terms throughout this time.

Political Party History in the US Democrats gain control of the White House and Congress in _______, and keep it for pretty much the next 50 years. At this time, the “_____________” occurs: 1932 Party Shift Before 1932, the Republicans were liberal and the Democrats were conservative. After 1932 and the Party Shift, Democrats became liberal and Republicans became conservative. Conservative: does not like/want change; Liberal: likes/wants change.

Political Party History in the US Why does the party shift happen? What’s happening nationally in the 1930s? The Republicans have been the White House for about 80 years. They have control. They see no problems with what they’re doing. They become conservative. Democrats see a way to win over the people by pushing for change. They know the nation wants the government to take action, and they know they can do things to help. They become liberal. This creates the parties that exist today.

Political Party History in the US The Republicans will retake the White House in ______, and _____ of the next eight presidents will be Republican. The Congressional Split: When the majority party in Congress is NOT the president’s party. This happens in a big way in ______, and was the first Congressional split in over 40 years. 1968 five 1995

Political Party History in the US What else characterizes the Two Party system? Minor parties: known as third parties in the US.

Third Parties Third party: any party other than the major two, that believes the major parties are not meeting the people’s needs. Any party other than the major two parties is called a third party.

Third Parties Third parties are created to meet specific needs of the people and usually fall into one of three categories: Single-issue: focus on one major social, economic, or moral issue, and are typically short lived. Ideological: focus on overall change in society. Splinter: created from a split in a major party due to a disagreement.