Civics Chapter 9 Sections 1 & 2

Two-Party System Political party – an association of voters with broad common interest who want to influence or control decision making in government by electing their party’s candidates to public office. Political party – an association of voters with broad common interest who want to influence or control decision making in government by electing their party’s candidates to public office. Two party system – two major parties since 1860 Two party system – two major parties since 1860

First Parties Thomas Jefferson – less power national government & more for state governments – Democratic –Republican Party Thomas Jefferson – less power national government & more for state governments – Democratic –Republican Party Alexander Hamilton – strong national government & strong president – Federalist Party Alexander Hamilton – strong national government & strong president – Federalist Party Two rival political groups formed around these leaders Two rival political groups formed around these leaders

Democratic – Republican Party split in Democratic – Republican Party split in Andrew Jackson aligned with the Democrat Party. Andrew Jackson aligned with the Democrat Party. Federalist Party eventually faded away. Federalist Party eventually faded away. Whigs (National Republicans) arose in 1830 Whigs (National Republicans) arose in 1830 Republican Party formed in 1854 from breakaway Democrats & Whigs who opposed slavery. Abraham Lincoln was the 1 st Republican President. Republican Party formed in 1854 from breakaway Democrats & Whigs who opposed slavery. Abraham Lincoln was the 1 st Republican President.

Third Parties Third parties – sometimes challenge the two main parties. 3 rd party has never won a presidential election. Third parties – sometimes challenge the two main parties. 3 rd party has never won a presidential election. Populists – 1890s, called for direct election of Senators & 8 hour work day. Populists – 1890s, called for direct election of Senators & 8 hour work day. Progressives – split from the Republicans in 1912 Progressives – split from the Republicans in 1912

Single issue parties – fade when issue becomes unimportant or when a major party adopts it. (Prohibitionist Party) Single issue parties – fade when issue becomes unimportant or when a major party adopts it. (Prohibitionist Party) Ideological parties – focus on changing society in major ways. (Socialist Labor Party, Communist Party, Libertarian Party & Green Party) Ideological parties – focus on changing society in major ways. (Socialist Labor Party, Communist Party, Libertarian Party & Green Party) Some 3 rd parties form around well-known individuals who could not get support from a major party. Some 3 rd parties form around well-known individuals who could not get support from a major party.

Other Party Systems Two-party systems are rare Two-party systems are rare Most democracies have multiparty systems Most democracies have multiparty systems One-party system – government & the party nearly the same thing. (China – Communist Party the only party allowed.) One-party system – government & the party nearly the same thing. (China – Communist Party the only party allowed.)

Competing Parties Give voters a choice of candidates & ideas Give voters a choice of candidates & ideas Differ mainly about how much government should be in control of the lives of Americans. Differ mainly about how much government should be in control of the lives of Americans.

Democrats Federal government more directly involved Federal government more directly involved Government regulate the economy Government regulate the economy Provide for the poor Provide for the poor

Republicans Help the economy grow Help the economy grow Less regulation Less regulation People finding jobs & providing for themselves People finding jobs & providing for themselves

Both parties try to appeal to as many voters as possible Both parties try to appeal to as many voters as possible Adopt mainstream ideas – avoid extremes Adopt mainstream ideas – avoid extremes Platform – series of statements expressing the parties principles, beliefs, & positions on issues Platform – series of statements expressing the parties principles, beliefs, & positions on issues Plank – Each individual part of a platform Plank – Each individual part of a platform

National Party Organization National committee – made up of representative from each state National committee – made up of representative from each state National party chairperson – runs the committee National party chairperson – runs the committee Delegates – party members from all states, write the platform & nominate candidates Delegates – party members from all states, write the platform & nominate candidates Caucuses – meetings Caucuses – meetings

State & Local Organization Each city or county divided into precincts. Each city or county divided into precincts. Precinct – geographical area that contains a specific number of voters Precinct – geographical area that contains a specific number of voters Ward – several adjoining precincts. Ward – several adjoining precincts. County chairperson – runs the county committee County chairperson – runs the county committee

“Grassroots” – issues that are important to the local people “Grassroots” – issues that are important to the local people Political machines – local party organizations became so powerful - accept bribes & kickbacks Political machines – local party organizations became so powerful - accept bribes & kickbacks Example: Tammany Hall in New York City ruled by “Boss” Tweed Example: Tammany Hall in New York City ruled by “Boss” Tweed