Political Parties
What are Political Parties? Organization made up of citizens who have similar ideas on public issues and who work together to put their ideas into effect through government action. Encourage voters to elect to public office those people favored by the party. In the United States, citizens are free to join the party of their choice or to not join any party. Political parties play a large role in helping the American people govern themselves.
Role of Political Parties Practical Politics: Offer a practical way for large numbers of people with similar ideas to get things done. Joining with other citizens who agree with your ideas, you can make your voice heard in a way that gets results. Concerned with the actions that government should take. Nominate, or select, candidates to run for public office. Although not impossible, it is difficult for a person to run for office without the support of a political party.
Role of Political Parties Take positions on public issues and work to have laws passed. Running for Office: During campaigns, each party tries to convince voters that it offers the best program. Winning candidates become the leaders of the government. The party whose candidates lost the election will be watching for weaknesses in the winning party’s new leaders and will be quick to point out to the public any campaign promises not kept by the new leaders.
Beginning of a Two-Party System Throughout most of its history, the U.S. has had two strong political parties, or a two-party system. Many of the Founding Fathers disagreed with political parties. George Washington warned Americans that political parties were dangerous because they could divide the nation By the 1790s, two parties had formed: Alexander Hamilton became the leader of the Federalist Party. Thomas Jefferson was the leader of the Democratic-Republicans. Eventually, the Federalist Party faded out, and the Democratic-Republicans dominated. In 1828, the Democrats split from the party during the election of Andrew Jackson.
Beginning of a Two-Party System The Democrats, led by Jackson, believed that the federal government should represent the common people. The present Republican party was formed in 1854. The Republican party was started by people who were against slavery. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln became the first candidate nominated by the Republican party to be elected president of the United States.
Third Parties Smaller political parties have competed for power with the two main parties: third parties. They do not gather as much support, but they have influenced American politics. Populist Party (1890s) called for senators to be elected directly by voters and an 8-hour workday. Progressive Party (early 1900s) worked to give voters a more direct role in government. Struggles: Third-party candidates must gather signatures from a large number of voters in order to appear on the ballot. Often cannot raise enough money to compete effectively.
Other Party Systems Multi-Party: One-Party: Mostly democracies Causes several parties to work together Ex: Canada (3), France (8) One-Party: People only have one choice because other parties are forbidden by law. Most dictatorships/totalitarian governments Ex: Cuba, Syria