Political Parties POD / Economics
A Political Party is…… A political organization that people with similar interests or opinions use to work together to accomplish their goals
Role of Political Parties Nominate / support candidates Involve citizens Provide leadership Control the government
Types of Political Party Systems One party system – one party dominates & controls all political life Found in authoritarian (Communist) nations
Types of Party Systems (cont.) Two party system – two parties dominate Ex. Democrats & Republicans in USA
Types of Party Systems (cont.) Multi-party system – three or more parties dominate found in most European nations
Minor Political Parties… Any party that is not Democrat or Republican Also known as 3rd parties Usually forms to support a specific idea Can change the outcome of elections Bring attention to new issues Ex./ Independents, Green, Libertarian
The Big Two Democrats & Republicans are known as the Big Two Party platform – the official views and goals of a political party Plank – a single issue on a party platform
Democrats….. Symbol is a donkey Referred to as liberal or “left wing” Party of the “common man” Symbolized by blue states
Most Democrats Favor….. Government regulation of the economy Organized labor Higher taxes for high income earners (progressive taxes) Redistribution of tax revenue to programs for the disadvantaged School funding initiatives for public schools “Large” federal government Emphasize society
Republicans…. Symbol is an elephant Referred to as conservative or “right wing” “Grand Old Party” (GOP) Symbolized by red states
Most Republicans Favor…. Less government intervention in the economy Restricting organized labor Lowering taxes for high income earners to encourage business investment and economic growth Cut back welfare benefits to encourage recipients to find work Parental choice for schools / vouchers
Republicans (cont.) Flat taxes “Small” federal government Emphasizes the individual