The Political Spectrum

Radicals Man are by nature, good and cooperative. Focused on the idea of the perfect society. Government can become corrupt and should never infringe on the rights of individuals Concerned with equality Willing to resort to violence or breaking the law to achieve goals Want Change FAST

Liberals Part of our system Capitalism is best but needs some reforms Human rights over property rights Government should help those who cannot help themselves Reform should take moderate means Need a large federal government Belief in Free speech All rights for all people should be protected Need government regulations “Left Wing” Tend to be working class, minorities

Moderates Made up of both Republicans and Democrats More concerned about compromise Tend to agree with issues of both liberals and Conservatives Tend to find Political candidates from this area Can be criticized for not doing enough at times Most politicians today are Moderate- Why do you think that is?

Conservative Part of our system Society represents accumulated wisdom and presents a proven formula Status Quo Legitimate authority is needed Oppose strong central government Favors state rights Good of majority over the minority Favors cutting government programs Should protect economic interests “Right Wing”

Reactionary Fascism The ideas of the past are the correct ones which we should restore today. Communism is a direct threat to our society Willing to use any means necessary to achieve goals – violence or breaking laws

Other Terms Socialist – man is a cooperative being who is willing to work with others in a communal effort. The purpose of society is not to make a profit rather it is to eliminate poverty. Pragmatist – When a problem is present, it is to be solved. What ever solution works best for the particular problem should be used.

There is NO party here. The One-Party system –Exists in most dictatorships. –The government is simply an instrument of the party Truly a no party system. Ex. China

So many parties, so little time. Multi-Party System Many parties based on religion, economic class, sectional attachment, or political ideology. Unstable Coalitions must be formed. ex. Italy (MOST European democracies)

The two-party system Two dominant political parties control most elections. Minor parties, if they exist get little or no portion of the electorate.

The Two-Party System Our System

What do Parties Do? Nominate—Recruit, choose, and present candidates for public office. Fundraise- All about the $$$ Inform and Activate Supporters—Campaign, define issues, and criticize other candidates. Act as a Bonding Agent—Guarantee that their candidate is worthy of the office.

Republican –Free (private) Enterprise Democrat –Government

Philosophy Republicans –Conservative Cautious about change. Democrats –Liberal Promote policies that represent new approaches.

Support Republicans –“Well-off” Don’t fix what isn’t broken. Democrats –The Worker Change can only make things better. No success in the status-quo.

How do you think this may be different than 2004? What about this election in 2008?

2004

The Reality is not so black and white… or red and blue!

Reasons for Party Decline Independents Mistrust of Government “Open” Primaries Technology End of Patronage All of the above leads to… Electoral Independence!!

What is a Political Platform? States the main ideas of the party Explains why it was started, stance on main issues and current agenda

Party Platform Differences The Political Parties are NOT the same. They are supported by different types of people who feel differently on issues. Bills in Congress reflect party- line voting at least 90% of the time! If there wasn’t a “dimes worth of difference” between the parties, this would not be the case.

Minor Parties in the United States Splinter Party Example: “Bull Moose” Progressive Party-against patronage system Economic Protest Parties Example: The Greenback Party- against gov’t regulation of $ Ideological Parties Example: Libertarian Party-rights of the individual Types of Minor Parties Single-issue Parties Example: Free Soil Party- eliminate slavery

Party Types Factional (splinter) Parties –Bull Moose, Reform Ideological Parties –Libertarian, Communist Single-Issue –Free Soil, Prohibition Toga Parties Power Parties –Democrats, Republicans

Minor Parties in the United States

Why are Minor Parties important? Minor parties play several important roles: “Spoiler Role” Critic Innovator

The Three Components of the Party The Party in the Electorate Those who always or almost always vote for party candidates. The Party Organization: Those who run and control the party machinery. Party Components The Party in Government Those who hold office in the government.

More on the Future… For candidates: Structural changes have increased conflict and disorganization within parties Changes in the technology of campaigning, especially the use of television and the Internet, have made candidates more independent of the party organization The growth of single-issue organizations provides candidates with another source of financial support