Today 11/11 & 11/12 Current Events FAST Short review quiz Info on Minor parties Chapter 5.3 Info on Party organization Chapter 5.4 Minor party posters Exit

Quiz 1. The US has a Two-Party System. What are the Two major parties? 2. When a candidate in a Single-member district gets the most votes it means they have _____________. 3. Most countries in ___________ have a Multiparty system. 4. What does a coalition mean in a Multiparty system? 5. Election laws in the US are written to favor whom? 6. What is the Goal of Political Parties?

Minor Parties and Party organization Chapter 5 section 3 & 4 Minor Parties and Party organization

Minor Parties There are 4 classifications of minor parties Ideological Single-Issue Economic Protest Splinter They don’t usually fit into one of the categories nicely As the parties develop they may change their classifications

1. Ideological Parties Based on a particular set of beliefs Not able to win votes because they don’t have broad enough appeal However they last a long time (usually) Example: Libertarian

2. Single-Issue Parties Focuses on only 1 public-policy matter Their name usually tells what their public policy issues is Not able to win votes because they don’t have broad enough appeal Only lasts as long as the issue lasts Example: Green Party

3. Economic Protest Parties When there is economic discontent No clear ideological base Usually mad at both parties Not able to win votes because they don’t have broad enough appeal The party goes away when economic problems are over Example: Populist Party

4. Splinter parties Split away from one of the major parties When a minor party gains importance it is usually a splinter party Usually forms around strong personalities Someone who fails to win the major parties nomination As the leader goes so does the party Example: Reform Party

Why are Minor Parties important? A strong Minor Party candidate can be a spoiler Most important role Critics and innovators Take a stand on Controversial issues

Party Organization National Committee This is the top level of the Party All political parties have one thing in common: how they are organized. State Committee County or Local Committee Precinct Organization Party Member