Political Parties

A. Political Parties A group of people who join together to try to control government. In the United States of America we have a two-party system. The two current parties are the Democrats and Republicans

B. Conservative vs. Liberal Political parties have the same goals. Conservative parties try to preserve the status quo. Liberal parties try to change the status quo. The liberal & conservative nature of our current parties have changed over time.

C. Third Parties Usually play a “spoiler” role. Elections of 1912, 1992, 2000 Their issues and roles are usually absorbed by a major party.

2004 Electoral College Map

2008 Electoral College Map

D. More Likely to be a Democrat Minorities Rustbelt resident- Blue states Women Poor “Blue Collar” Workers – hourly workers Young Jewish Urban Students

E. More Likely to be a Republican Northern/Western European Ethnic Background Suburban Married w/children Men Wealthy “White Collar” Workers – salaried workers Old Protestant- Evangelical Sunbelt resident- South and West (Red States) Highly educated