Political Parties #2 Evolution of Parties

One Party System George Washington – Farewell Address: warned of the problems caused by factions Advantages: Dis:

Two Party System Federalists – Support National Bank, strong central gov – Alexander Hamilton Democratic- Republicans – Strict construction, states’ rights – Thomas Jefferson

Dealignment Party dies off – EX: Federalist party disappears

Jacksonian Democrats Andrew Jackson: grassroots party – – Gives more power to people by changing how nominees for president are chosen Before, Congress would caucus and pick nominee He brings National Party Conventions: party elite chooses nominee

National Convention

Realignment A realigning election: – Change due to a major issue – Voters shift preferences – Change in policy – Coalition shift

Republican Realignment (1850s – Present) Coalition: Whigs, Abolitionists, Anti- expansion of slavery 1860 Pres Election: – D’s nominate 2 (1 N, 1 S) – Whig nominee*splits the vote – R’s Abraham Lincoln – wins w/less than 40% of vote Party of Lincoln

Era of Republicans (1896 – 1932) Critical Election : election that brings a realignment R’s win every Pres election except 2 (Wilson) South aligns with D’s

Mock Election! Propositions  1A : High speed train (2008)  2 : farm animals  3: Children’s hospital  4 : abortion for minors  5 : non-violent criminals  7 : renewable energy  1D: children’s hospital  1E: Mental Health services  66: 3 Strikes  82: Preschool

Quick Review 1.How did G Wash feel about political parties? 2.What is a critical election? 3.What does party dealignment mean? 4.How did Jackson change how the electoral system works?

Progressive Party Splits off from the R Reaction to – Political Machines: Party bosses that controlled politics by exchanging favors for votes – Urban problems

Boss Tweed

Solutions: Primary Elections – Ppl vote for nominee, not party Voter Registration – Fill out form in order to vote Secret (Australian) ballot – Vote in secret Brings power to the ppl, away from party

More Reforms Initiative Referendum Recall All follow this process: 1.Petition 2.Vote

Roosevelt (D) Realignment (1932 – 1968) Great Depression! Herbert Hoover (R) Franklyn D. Roosevelt (D) elected Changes govt involvement in economy: – Social Security – Public Works Projects Deficit Spending

Roosevelt Revolution… Party membership divides along economic lines (except in S) African Americans, unions join D party D’s win every Pres election except 2 (Eisenhower)

New Era (1968-Present) : only 3 D Presidents (Carter, Clinton, Obama) Divided Gov – Congress in 80s – Congress from 1994 – 2006 United Gov – and today

Are Parties Dying? Increase in Independent voters Increase in split ticket voting – Straight ticket voting Low voter turnout overall Increased focus on candidate, not party