Vocabulary Political Party- An association of voters with common interests 2 Party System- A political system where 2 major political parties win almost all elections Independents- People who do not belong to a political party Moderates- People whose beliefs fall in the middle, between republicans and democrats Platform- Expresses a party’s beliefs and position on issues Grassroots- The local level of a political party

Warm up What is a political party?

EQ EXPLAIN THE FUNCTIONS, ROLES AND GOALS THAT POLITICAL PARTIES PLAY IN OUR SOCIETY.

Development of Political Parties

What is a Political Party? A Political Party is an association of voters that promote political beliefs and nominate candidates. Their goal is to help the party gain as many offices as possible.

Types of Political Parties The United States is said to have to 2 Party system because the 2 major political parties dominate. Candidate’s typically need a majority vote to win an election Some countries, like China, are ruled by a 1 Party system. By law, the only political party allowed to exist is the party in power.

Independents are voters that are not affiliated with any party. A Multi-Party system is when 3 or more parties compete for control of the government. Parties only need a plurality vote to remain in power. Independents are voters that are not affiliated with any party.

Why do we have a 3rd Party? Third Parties believe that neither of the two major parties are meeting the needs of the people. Third Parties are created to challenge the Republicans and Democrats. They have never won a presidential election but can affect the outcome of elections. Because 3rd parties rarely win elections many groups form coalitions. Banding together of different groups to achieve political success

Today’s Political Parties What is the major difference between a Republican and Democrat? Answer: How much government should be involved in the lives of Americans?

Republicans Conservatives Believe less government involvement is better Govt’s main role is to provide law and order Believe Govt’s job is to provide citizens with the opportunity for success, not guarantee it Want economy to grow so poor people can find jobs and help themselves

Democrats Liberals Gov’t should be active and “hands on” Advocate for Gov’t to provide welfare, health needs, job assistance Gov’t should provide housing, income, healthcare, eductation & jobs for its citizens

Moderates and Radicals Moderates are those whose beliefs fall in the middle, between liberals and conservatives. Radicals are those within a political party that hold extreme views. Ex: Those favoring gov’t control of businesses or healthcare.

Learning about the candidates Read the platform that each party writes at its national convention. Event held every 4 years where delegates from each state nominate who will run for president Platform expresses the party’s principles, beliefs, and positions on issues. Plank: Each individual part of the platform.

GRAPHIC ORGANIZER

Functions/Role of Political Parties Nominate Candidates: Select strong candidates Campaigning: Raising $, help get ideas across, register voters Important at “grassroots level”- Local level of gov’t Inform Citizens: Speeches, Billboards, Commercials Manage Government: Hand out Gov’t jobs

Link Levels of Gov’t: All levels of gov’t work together, especially if same political party. EX: Pres., Gov., & Mayor Play watchdog role: Losers watch over winners and wait for them to screw up.

Problems with Political Parties Political Machines: A strong party organization that keeps getting re- elected. Tammany Hall and “Boss” Tweed Become corrupt and unresponsive to the needs of the people Machines often buy votes through patronage, or the promising of a position to individuals for support

REFLECTION EXPLAIN THE FUNCTIONS, ROLES, AND GOALS THAT POLITICAL PARTIES PLAY IN OUR SOCIETY.

REFLECTION/CLOSING WHAT IS A POLITICAL PARTY? WHEN DID THE 2 PARTY SYSTEM ORIGINATE? CHARACTERISTICS OF? ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES OF 2 PARTY SYSTEM? WHAT ARE SOME DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE U.S. AND OTHER DEMOCRACIES? SUMMARIZE THE MAIN IDEAS BEHIND THE DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN PARTIES. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MODERATES AND RADICALS? WHAT IS A PARTY PLATFORM? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FUNCTIONS AND ROLES OF POLITICAL PARTIES? WHAT ARE SOME PROBLEMS THAT POLITICAL PARTIES HAVE EXPERIENCED?

Closing question? Why are competing political parties a necessary part of a democratic government? They give voters a choice among candidates and ideas.