Political Parties (3.5.2)

Part Systems and Party Roles Political Parties Key connection between people and their government Generally formed b/c: competing groups want their points of views to influence the government

Part Systems and Party Roles Party Systems Any person or group of people can start a political party They will tend to share the same beliefs Types of political parties One-party Systems Two-party Systems Multiparty Systems

Party Systems One-Party System Only one party exists or routinely controls the government Characteristics: Does not allow other parties to form The party is the government Differences occur within the party Allow elections Not competitive b/c only the party’s candidate appear on the ballot Countries: Cuba/North Korea

Party Systems Two-Party System Two major parties compete for control of the government Characteristics: Very rare, only in about 15 countries world wide United States being one Compete to win at every level of government Local, state, national Balance of powers change over time Depends on what is happening in society Example: Great Depression

Popular in European Countries Party Systems Multiparty Systems Many parties exist and compete for control of the government Characteristics: Found in countries with strong parliament systems Legislative branch is the most powerful The Head of Government is one of the leaders of a major party People only elect representatives to legislature Government leaders are party leaders Proportional Representation Candidates elected in proportion to the popular vote they received Parties get the same percentage of representatives as they have votes in the population Ex.) If a party receives 10% of the votes – parliament has 500 seats – the party will get 50 seats Popular in European Countries

1. Recruiting and Labeling Roles of Parties Political parties exist b/c they fill at least four important functions 1. Recruiting and Labeling 2. Acting as Watchdogs Parties simplify the process of selecting candidates Each party stands for a different view-point and belief Political parties help identify a candidate’s political views The party that does not have control of congress or is not President serve as vocal critics When they do something bad, they alert the people They represent the opposing view

3. Getting Out Information 4. Running the Government Roles of Parties 3. Getting Out Information 4. Running the Government Creation of campaigns Candidates take a stand on issues Criticizes the candidates and stands of the opposition parties Citizens learn about societies pressing issues Political parties play a key role in running the government Creation of potential laws and policies Party leaders make sure members support the party’s position

Influence of Parties In the United States How do Republicans/Democrats really influence U.S. government and politics? The Party and Voters Party Organization Voters can claim to be either Democrat or Republican May change parties anytime they want Claiming Independent: Voting for President of one party, but choosing a senator from the other Becoming a popular trend Parties do have loyalist Contribute money Encourage other to vote Attend party meetings Grassroots organization Work from the bottom up concept National committee leaders listen to the local and state party organizations This coordinate their efforts Getting a presidential candidate elected

Influence of Parties In the United States The Party and Government Parties run and staff the government Work is on the basis of party membership Whoever holds the majority has power Passing laws and policies Must be careful not to mess up Opposing party is waiting for a flaw

America’s Two-Party System Three reasons why the Two-Party System has lasted Historical Influence American Beliefs and Values Historical tradition Progression of the political parties Has always been a two-party system The longer we have this system, harder to change Broad ideological beliefs Encourages two large political parties Overlapping points of views Parties goal is to win elections

America’s Two-Party System Winner-Take-All System Biggest reason Need the majority vote to win everything Second place gets nothing This encourages parties to embrace voters Without a big following, the party will not win

History of Political Parties

Political Parties (3.5.2) History of Political Parties Formed because competing groups want their points of view to influence the government First Party System (Two-Party System) Federalist v. Democratic-Republicans (1796-1828) Federalist: Strong central government and the economic interests of northern business men Thomas Jefferson Democratic-Republicans: State-rights and state banks. Popular in rural areas first in the south. Alexander Hamilton

Political Parties (3.5.2) First Democratic Era (1828-1860) Opposition of the time Election of 1828 Andrew Jackson had the support of his new coalition Westerners/Southerners/ Immigrants/Long-time citizens Was at first a Democratic-Republican until he was President Shortened the phrase to Democrats Democrats Goals: Broaden voting rights, political and economic opportunity for ordinary citizens Eliminate privileges of the elite Whig Party Opposed the Democrats Won few elections against the Democrats Would take military heroes as their Presidential Candidates William Henry Harrison Zachary Taylor Party split from within Different view points between Northern industrialist and southern planters

Political Parties (3.5.2) Republican Era (1860-1932) Slavery was the key issue at this time Was an anti-slavery party Abraham Lincoln was their candidate – won election After the Civil War the Republicans controlled the government for 60 years Many Southern states were against the Republicans once they rejoined the Union Republicans would control the government for much of this time period Great Depression ended its dominances

Political Parties (3.5.2) Second Democratic Era (1932-1968) Franklin Roosevelt elected President Designed the New Deal Coalition Helped with labor, the working class, and minorities during the recovery of the depression Elected to office four straight times Democrats controlled state and local elections as well Despite Ike’s 1952 and 1956 victories

Political Parties (3.5.2) Divided Government (1968-Present) Where one party controls the Presidency and the other control Congress New issues making people change parties Civil Rights Act Southern Democrats upset with pro-civil right policies Many became Republicans Vietnam War Split-ticket: voting for candidates of more than one party in the same election