POLITICAL PARTIES AND WHAT THEY DO What is a political party What do parties do 5 main things

What is a Party? Political Party- group of persons who seek to control government through the winning of elections and the holding of public office Major Parties Republicans Democrats More to it Common principles Want certain policies and programs

Why Political Parties Parties essential in democracies Develop broad policies Options presented to people through parties Serve as link b/w govt and governed Encourage compromise Bring diverse groups together Soften extremist views

Major Functions Nominating Candidates Essential in democracy Select a candidate Present them to voters Essential in democracy Almost exclusively done by parties

Major Functions cont. Informing and Activating Support Inform people of issues Inspire and organize support for/against issues Parties not alone here Present helpful info Signs, Buttons, Pamphlets, Stickers, Advertisements, Speeches, Rallies, Conventions Take stands to help them win elections

Major Functions cont. Bonding Agent Function Ensures good performance of candidates Parties pick qualified candidates Parties pick ppl w/ good character Prompt candidates to perform well Both party and candidate can suffer if this does not happen

Major Functions cont. Governing US is largely govt by party Much voting and business done by partisanship Strong support of specific party and its policy stands Many appointments done by party Political parties make electoral process work

Major Functions cont. Act as a Watchdog Keep an eye on the conduct of the other party Party not in power especially watches Party in Power Party that controls the Executive Branch Party out of power needs to play “loyal opposition” Be against PIP, but loyal to country

TWO-PARTY SYSTEM IN AMERICAN HISTORY First Parties Four Major Eras

First Political Parties Federalists Led by Alexander Hamilton Represented wealthy, upper-class Favored strong national govt Loose interpretation of Const. Anti-Federalists, Democratic-Republicans, Democrats Led by Thomas Jefferson Represented “common man” Favored state control of govt Strict interpretation of Const

1st Major Era The Era of the Democrats 1800-1860 Dems win all but 2 elections Whigs emerge in 1834-50s Republican Party founded in 1854

2nd Major Era The Era of the Republicans 1860-1932 Reps win all but 4 elections Civil War hurt Dems But keep “Solid South”

3rd Major Era The Return of the Democrats 1932-1968 Dems win all but 2 election FDR elected 4 times

4th Major Era (Current) The Era of Divided Govt Nixon and Ford 1968-76 Since 1968 No one party has dominated executive branch Congress often controlled by opposing party Nixon and Ford 1968-76 Reps hold Pres Dems hold Congress Carter 1976-80 Dems hold Pres and Congress

4th Major Era (Current) Reagan and Bush Sr. 1980-92 Clinton 1992-00 Reps hold Pres Congress switches Clinton 1992-00 Dems hold Pres Reps hold Congress Bush Jr. 2000-08 Reps hold Pres and Congress