POLITICAL PARTIES WHAT ARE THEYAND WHAT DO THEY DO?

WHAT ARE POLITICAL PARTIES A political party is a group of individuals who have similar beliefs and seek to control government There are many different political parties Two major parties (two party system) are Republicans and Democrats

WHAT DO POLITICAL PARTIES DO? Political parties have a variety of functions 1. Nominating candidates 2. Watch over the party in power (Watchdog function) 3. Organize government (committees and agencies) 4. Encourage to participate in government

PARTY IDEALS Political parties outline what all their their party platform Each believe is called a plank Platforms and planks are changed or modified at party conventions

PARTY SYSTEMS There are three different types of political party systems 1. One party system: usually results in a dictatorship 2. Two party system: what we have here in the U.S. 3. Multiparty system: many European nations have this

TWO PARTY SYSTEM In the US we have a two party system There are many political parties but only two major parties (Republicans + Democrats) The other parties are known as minor parties

PARTY STRUCTURE The National Committee does the day to day work of the party It’s most important function: organize the national convention National Chairperson directs the party’s work This person does a lot to help raise money during election years

MINOR PARTIES There are 4 different types of minor parties 1. Ideological parties: These are based on a specific set of beliefs (Socialist Party) 2. Single-Issue Party: They have only one major issue (Right to Life Party)

MORE MINOR PARTIES 3. Economic Protest Parties: Usually form during recessions or depressions (Populist Party) 4. Splinter Parties: Break off of a major party (Bull Moose Party)

IMPORTANCE OF MINOR PARTIES Minor parties sometimes bring up issues that major parties don’t discuss Minor parties sometimes set trends (debates or visiting specific areas of the nation Many believe the most important function is the “spoiler role”