Political Parties

Political Ideology Quizzes… Did you agree with your placement? In reality- which issues may someone weigh more heavily when considering which political party to affiliate with? Why do you think people join political parties? What are advantages/disadvantages to doing so?

In the Constitution… Find the explanation of how political parties must form Outline the steps it takes to form a party

Oops! There is NO MENTION of political parties Founding Fathers were against them Georgie warned of competition in farewell address

American Political Parties… What’s the Purpose? 1. bring people together to achieve control of the government 2. develop policies favorable to their interests or supportive groups 3. Organize & persuade voters to elect their candidates to office 4. represent their constituents (people in their district) 5. attempt to put philosophy into practice through legislation

Party Systems one-party system the party captures control of the government and does not allow other parties to form; most one-party systems allow elections, but they are not competitive because only that party’s candidates appear on the ballot--China, Iran,N. Korea two-party system where two major political parties compete for control of the government; different parties might control local, state, and national government--US multiparty system many parties compete for control over the legislative branch of government (the head of the government is the leader of one of the major parties in the legislature); these systems usually arise in countries with a strong parliamentary system-- Germany, Italy, France, Israel, Japan

Political Parties Republican  Conservative ideology  ‘Small’ Government  ‘Low’ taxes  Platform Platform  2016: Chris Christie? Democrat  Liberal ideology  ‘Big’ Government  ‘High’ Taxes  Platform Platform  2016: Hillary Clinton?

Era of the Democrats Era of the Republicans Era of the Democrats Era of Divided Govt Today Divided Government Since 1968, neither Republicans nor Democrats have consistently held the presidency and the Congress is often controlled by the opposing party. Four Eras of the Political Parties

Political Ideologies Liberalism  An ideology favoring an active role for government in efforts to solve society’s problems Conservatism  An ideology favoring a limited role for government and more private initiative by non governmental groups in efforts to solve society’s problems

Party Association & Definition Changes Over Time…why might that be?

The Role of Minor Parties A third party or minor party is any party other than the two major parties. Their common thread is that they believe that neither party is meeting certain needs. A third party runs a candidate to propose a remedy to the situation and/or to draw attention to their specific issue(s) or ideology. single-issue party focuses exclusively on one major economic, social, or moral issue ex: Prohibition Party, Women’s Suffrage Party, Right to Life Party ideological party focuses on overall change in society rather than on one single issue ex: Communist Party, Socialist Party, Libertarian Party splinter party splits away from one of the two major parties because of some disagreement ex: Green Party

Do Americans want a third party?

Generally speaking… …Republicans hold more conservative views, and Democrats more liberal views. Why Third Parties Then? People frustrated with the 2 party system form 3 rd parties to express their opinions in constructive ways!!! (yay Democracy!!!) sooooo…do they ever have an impact??

*Electoral vote = 1 vote per rep. & senator in each state to vote for President 2000– Bush 50,456,002(271)Gore 50,999,897(266)Nader 2,882, 955 (fec.gov)

Comparing Third & Major Parties 1. Read directions on handout 2. Research Republicans, Democrats, and a third party of your choice 3. Create “campaign poster” for third party to encourage membership