Copy What is Written in Yellow Political Parties Copy What is Written in Yellow

Political party: An organization that gains political power by electing members to public office so that their ideas can be reflected in public policies.

Major Functions of Political Parties Nominate candidates (person running for political office) who agree with their beliefs and try to persuade voters to support their candidates in their run for office Influence policy: work to guide government policy – influence government officials regarding issues. Unite Government: Link members from different branches and levels of government Inform Citizens

Party Platforms To know where a party stands on the major issues, the voters can look at the party’s platform. A platform is the aims and goals of a political party The platform communicates to voters what the party plans to do if it wins. A platform also indicates to voters a candidates beliefs about an issue and their plan in implement that belief.

Today’s Major Parties A basic difference between the major parties is their belief in how much the government should be involved in the lives of Americans.

Third Parties: We have a two-party system in which two major parties have competed for power throughout history (Democrats/Republicans) Third Parties: a political party that is not one of the two major parties in the country; a minor party affect the outcome of elections and may influence government and social policy.*** Have never won a presidential campaign

Democratic Party Today, the Democrats are generally said to be more liberal. Ideas about government: Favor a larger role of government Believe that the government should provide social programs to give everyone a fair shot at a good life. Want to tax the wealthiest to fund those programs. Focus on innovation (technology), education, energy, and infrastructure.

Republican Party: Today, the Republicans are generally said to be more conservative Ideas about Government: Smaller government with less social programs and less interference from the government Believe in reducing the number of government social programs. Are opposed to raising taxes. Big supporters of a powerful military and business. People allowed to make their own way without interference from the government

Libertarian Party: Ideas about government: More conservative then Republicans Individuals are allowed to rule their own lives. (Government will not interfere in people’s lives) Government’s only job is to protect individual rights. Libertarians believe in the least amount of gov. involvement US should avoid making alliances and no longer will be the policemen of the world.

Communist Party: More liberal then Democrats Government controls all economic means of production. Ideas about government: Wealth is shared equally with all citizens. Rights will be expanded. Capitalism will be abolished.

Socialist Party: Ideas about government: More liberal then Democrats Workers rule. There are no social classes (everyone is considered equal) Production of society is used to benefit all of humanity. No privatization. (Public owns everything) Economic activity based on providing necessities of life, including food, shelter, health care, education, child care, cultural opportunities, and social services.