Political Parties Chapter 9 Section 3 Political Party is an organization that helps elect members to public office Political parties are important to the American political system because they are the main way we choose, elect and monitor our representatives

Democrats (Liberals) – support government actions to change social policy political policy economic policy Usually thought to be unfair taxation increase tax rates on wealthy environment – move to clean energy civil rights – Equal rights amendment

Republicans (Conservatives) – support limited government lower taxes traditional social values Lower taxes (especially capital gains from stocks or business) Smaller government = more freedoms Values tending to come from religious traditions

Moderates In both parties with middle ground positions May identify as Republican, Democrat, or Independent Usually vote with party but will cross parties Usually take moderate positions resulting in slower change Are seen as voting bloc needed to win election

Role of the Political Party 1) Nomination process – Choose candidates for office Rules for nomination made by party Candidates are chosen in primary elections Platform (issue positions) are stated

Party electorate – Educate electorate on party positions Voter registration drives Work for nominees

Influence on Government Operating government Do not have official standing in government Influence laws Influence appointments Influence domestic and foreign policy

Informed Voters – Are you one?

The American Two- Party System One-party system – Usually dictatorship Two-party system – American system (thirds parties have limited effect) Multiparty system – Parliamentary (rarely can one party govern without alliances with other parties)

American Political Parties Federalist Party (John Adams & Abraham Lincoln) Strong central government Urban Liberal Became Republican Party (Rural & Conservative) Democrat-Republican Party (anti-federalist) agriculture Conservative Small Government Became Democrat Party (Urban & Progressive)

Party Organization Based on Federalism Local organized around voting precincts /wards State supports local and national candidates National raises funds for all levels

Political Parties and the Public Good Benefits – keep out extremists views, try to include a broad base and have a “brand name” voters recognize Criticisms – Lack of Unity, Discipline and Loyalty. Actions may benefit certain interests rather than public good.

The Electoral Process

Organizing and Financing Campaigns Political Campaigns need TV/media, staff, advisors, print material, image consultants………… Hard money given to campaign (Limited) Soft money given to party (redistributed)

To become a candidate you must first announce your candidacy Choosing Candidates Self-announcement To become a candidate you must first announce your candidacy Local offices usually require petition of registered voters Then you must organize a strong campaign to attract enough voters to win

Choosing Candidates Caucuses – meetings held at precinct level to select candidates Primary – Voting to select candidate at State or National level Conventions – Formal nomination process usually already decided by primary election Establishes party platform Direct primary – candidate chosen by primary vote closed primary – only registered party members can vote Open primary – Voter may vote in either primary

Voting and Voter Behavior Requirements to vote U.S. Citizen, 18 years old, felony free The main factors why people vote the way they do are 1) Party Identification 2) Issues - Usually single issue economy, abortion, environment 3) Candidates background 4) Voter’s background Parents, friends, social groups

General Election General election first Tuesday following the first Monday in November of even-numbered years Plurality – more votes than other candidates most states Majority 50% requires run off between top two Absentee ballot – voting when living out of state College military

Campaigns and the Public Good Election Campaigns Pro allowing citizens to express opinions Inform voters about candidates and issues Election Campaigns Con Negative campaigning Lack of depth Too much dark money