Political Eras: in American history : Federalists : : Jacksonian Democrats : Democratics-FDR/New Deal Coalition – –Groups – –Paternalism – –Strong Central
***** Era of Divided Government:1968-present: (Realignment) 1. Split ticket voting. 2. President + Congress 3. Party dealignment 4. Reagan-”silent majority” WASP, big business 5. Clinton: gender gap
December 10, 2014 Objective: To better understand the basic foundations of the 2 main political parties in the American political system AND the role 3 rd parties play in the American Political system
Rise of Political Parties Identify 2 trends in the graph below
waJNw0 waJNw0 Minor Parties/Third Parities waJNw0 waJNw0 RU5TI RU5TI
Third Parties: types 1. Ideological: 2. Issue-oriented 3. Personality 4. Splinter Reasons for 3 rd Parties Why even exist 1. Discontent 2. 2 Party Check 3. “Duopoly” (SURPRISE)
Effects on politics of third parties Obstacles for 3 rd parties 1. Two-party tradition 2. S.M.C. Districts 3. Electoral College 4. Ballot (Decentralized) 5. Money 6. Media coverage 7. Exclusion t.v. debates
Evaluating Traditional Political Parties “Party System is Weak & Dying” Examples: Examples: 1.Dealignment “Party System is Thriving” Examples: Examples: 1.Congressional Agenda