A Brief History Not a part of the Constitution – G. Washington warned against pol. Parties – He worried they would divide us Do they? From the beginning we had the people who wanted a strong central gov. (the Federalists) and those against it (Anti-Federalists)

A Brief History Our early parties PartyLeaderBeganObjective(s) FederalistAlexander Hamilton 1786Promote the Constitution Strong central government Pro-business and banking Democratic- Republicans Thomas Jefferson 1791Opposed a strong central government States’ and individual rights Pro-farmer and frontier becomes Democratic Party in 1828 Whig (a patriotic term) N/A1834Opposed tyranny Opposed Andrew Jackson RepublicanAbraham Lincoln (had been a Whig) 1854Opposed slavery Pro-business Party of the North

A Brief History Democrats and Republicans – Our current set up began when the Republicans replaced the Whigs – Republicans were the majority party from the Civil War until the Great Depression in the 1930’s – Democrats took control in 1932 trying to get the country out of the Great Depression and through WWII – Power has gone back and fourth since

Why the Donkey and the Elephant? There are a couple of explanations Its origins are in the 1828 presidential campaign -- during which Andrew Jackson was labeled a [donkey] for his populist views. Jackson proudly seized the label and began using donkeys on his campaign posters. During his presidency, cartoonists sometimes used the donkey to illustrate President Jackson's stubbornness on certain issues. It was revived again by Thomas Nast in his 1870's cartoons. Another explanation is simply the influence of cartoonist Thomas Nast. In his cartoons a duplicitous donkey attacks a timid and clumsy behemoth elephant. The donkey and elephant became handy symbols for other cartoonists. Popular recognition and acceptance of those images overrode the parties’ own wishes. The Democrat and Republican parties came to accept the reality that the symbols had stuck, like it or not.

The Role of Third Parties Although politics is dominated by the 2 big parties occasionally a 3 rd party does emerge Often it is someone who splits from one of the main parties Nationally it is difficult – Laws make it difficult Who made those laws? – people do not want to donate money to someone who won’t win Some do win local and state elections

The Role of Third Parties Influence of Third Parties – Draw votes away from another candidate (2000) – Bring ideas and issues to our political conscience (1992/1996) – The most popular of these ideas are usually absorbed by one of the main parties This is why we still only have 2 main parties

Characteristics of Today’s Parties DemocratsRepublicans gov. regulation of the economyReducing gov. intervention in the economy Support higher taxes on high income earners to pay for social programs for the poor Promotes workfare and that State and local gov. should be responsible for social programs Support unionsWants to restrict organized labor Favors school funding for competitive public schools Don’t they all get the same money? Favors school funding that allows for parental choice *These are generalizations*turn to page 501

Characteristics of Today’s Parties Political Parties are similar – Although there are differences the parties have more in common than different – When a new party is in control we don’t have huge changes – Our core values and beliefs are the same

Characteristics of Today’s Parties Party Organization – Both parties have local, state, and national organizations – These are independent of each other

Characteristics of Today’s Parties Party Organization (con’t) – At the state level Party committees with chairpersons – Write a platform – Nominate candidates – Raise money – Host a state convention

Characteristics of Today’s Parties Party Organization (con’t) – At the national level Party committees with chairpersons – Write a platform – Nominate candidates for President and V.P. – Raise money – Host a national convention » This is an important part of the campaign season

Supporting a Party To be a member you: TrueFalse

Changes in Party Strength Patronage – Favors for support of the party – 2000 federal appointments – Most federal jobs today are through the civil service system Which ancient river civ began the civil service system?

Changes in Party Strength Parties in Campaigns – Candidates used to depend on the party for help during the campaign Raising money And informing voters – Today it is easier for candidates to these on their own This can lead to candidates disagreeing with party leaders and even voting against party programs

Voter Loyalty – Only 40% of voters vote a straight ticket – Voters tend to vote for a specific candidate or on a specific issue – In the historically Democratic south (dating back to the early 1800s) people still consider themselves Dems, but vote Rep in national elections Why? – Recent surveys put Dem at 36% and Rep at 33% – That means 31% are independent Changes in Party Strength

Voter Loyalty (con’t) – Recent surveys put Dem at 36% and Rep at 33% – That means 31% are independent – Elections are won by convincing independents and getting people to split their ticket