CHAPTER 5: The American Political System

Political Parties 1.Definition : a group of people who have similar beliefs about how a government should be run 2. Goals : Organize a political majority Provide electable candidates Educate voters on campaign platforms Finance campaigns Win/Run the government

3. Fears Concerning: Bickering/fighting over partisan issues rather than working together to make the country better Washington’s warning: “It agitates the Community with ill founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another…” Party officials would use their political power for personal gain

4. Advantages of the two-party system : 1)Stability of a two-party system compared to a multi- party system 2)National election laws favor a two-party system 3)Size of the United States doesn’t allow a third-party or minority party to achieve national success; a major party will add a plank(s) to its platform when necessary 4)Tradition of taking turns or alternation: Voters have short memories so one party doesn’t stay in power for long.

5. Historical Development of the Two-Party System 1)Began to form during the campaign to ratify the Constitution ( ). People sided with either Alexander Hamilton/John Adams and the Federalists or Thomas Jefferson/James Madison and the Anti-Federalists. 2)During the first years of the new federal government ( ), the Anti-Federalists became a true political party--- the Democratic-Republican party 3)In 1800, for the first time, the D-Rs actively recruited members (both voters and candidates) and forged alliances with politicians in every state. D-Rs win the presidential election of 1800 (Thomas Jefferson) Nine of the next 13 presidents are D-Rs or Democrats

First Political Parties Federalists (Alexander Hamilton) Democratic-Republicans (Thomas Jefferson) Emphasis on manufacturing, shipping, trading Emphasis on agriculture (farming) Strong central governmentStrong state governments Loose interpretation of Constitution Strict interpretation of Constitution Pro-BritishPro-French Favored a National BankOpposed a National Bank Favored protective tariffsOpposed protective tariffs Wealthy and well-educated should lead the nation All types of people should have political power

Time-Line Exercise to Illustrate the Development of American Political Parties

Political Labels Exercise

6. Organization of Political Parties 1)National Committee (reps. from each state): Plans national convention every four years Raises money for political activities Writes the party platform Runs the presidential election campaign 2)State Central Committee (powerful; meets year-round): Select members of national committee Supervises party activities, selection of candidates, patronage Raises money Coordinates county committees 3) County Committee: supervises/directs party workers; influences contracts/job hiring through political machines 4)Precinct Organization: party unity at the town or neighborhood level---also known as wards; local or “grass roots” workers (ex. of McCarthy’s ”kids”) are vital

7. State/National Party Conventions (every four years) 1)Purpose: nominate candidates, create party platforms, vote on rules for operation of party 1)Replaces old party caucus---more democratic 1)Delegates elected through primaries or nominating conventions Not required to vote for a particular candidate May be influenced by powerful political leaders 4)Early business: Credentials and Platform committees settle any disputes. 5)Balloting: Nominations for President, then a roll call of state votes, which continues until one nominee earns a majority.

8. Steps in the Presidential Election Cycle 1)Candidate Announcement – A year or more in advance 2)Nominating Conventions & Primary Elections – Spring of election year 3)National Convention - Summer 4)The Campaign – Fall (traditionally begins Labor Day) 5)Election Day – first Tuesday after the first Monday in November If not re-elected, outgoing President enters lame- duck period 6)Inauguration – January of the following year