The Political Process 5a and 5b Page 35 What did the zoo keeper say when he saw four elephants walking over the hill towards him wearing sunglasses? Nothing, he didn't recognize them!

Standard 5a Essential Understandings: Political parties play a key role in government and provide opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process. A two-party system characterizes the American political process. Although third parties rarely win elections, they can play an important role in public politics. Essential Questions: What role do political parties play in the American political process? How are the two major political parties similar, and how do they differ? How do third parties differ from the two major parties? Vocabulary: political parties, party platform, third parties

Candy Questions

Which document established the first form of government for the United States?

Which early American document stated grievances against the King of England?

Which fundamental principle of American government means that the government and those who govern are all bound by the same law?

What do we call a local law?

On which level of government do we individuals have the most influence?

Who writes Wythe County ordinances?

Which level of government is most responsible for foreign affairs?

Tensions exist when federal mandates require state actions without adequate ___________.

Name our federal AND state legislative bodies.

Who must ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution?

Political parties play a key role in government and provide opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process.

Functions of Political Parties Recruiting and nominating candidates

Functions of Political Parties Recruiting and nominating candidates Educating the electorate about campaign issues

Functions of Political Parties Recruiting and nominating candidates Educating the electorate about campaign issues Helping candidates win elections

Functions of Political Parties Recruiting and nominating candidates Educating the electorate about campaign issues Helping candidates win elections Monitoring actions of officeholders

RepublicanDemocratic Third parties rarely win elections, but they play an important role in public politics!

story/politicalpartyorigins/

Similarities Between Parties Organize to win elections

Similarities Between Parties Organize to win elections Influence public policies

Similarities Between Parties Organize to win elections Influence public policies Reflect both liberal and conservative views

Similarities Between Parties Organize to win elections Influence public policies Reflect both liberal and conservative views Define themselves in a way that wins majority support by appealing to the political center

Liberal (Democrats) Conservative (Republicans) Want BIG government! Want little government! MODERATE (Political Center)

Differences Between Parties Stated in a party’s platform and reflected in campaigning

Which party would want? (Point to the party sign.) 1) Almost all government run public schools paid for by taxes – and few, if any private schools.

Which party would want? (Point to the party sign.) 1)Almost all government run public schools paid for by taxes – and few, if any private schools. 2)Very low taxes.

Which party would want? (Point to the party sign.) 1)Almost all government run public schools paid for by taxes – and few, if any private schools. 2)Very low taxes. 3)No government interference in business – let businesses do what they want.

Which party would want? (Point to the party sign.) 1)Almost all government run public schools paid for by taxes – and few, if any private schools. 2)Very low taxes. 3)No government interference in business – let businesses do what they want. 4)Food stamp and welfare programs for the poor.

Which party would want? (Point to the party sign.) 1)Almost all government run public schools paid for by taxes – and few, if any private schools. 2)Very low taxes. 3)No government interference in business – let businesses do what they want. 4)Food stamp and welfare programs for the poor. 5)High taxes.

Which party would want? (Point to the party sign.) 1)Almost all government run public schools paid for by taxes – and few, if any private schools. 2)Very low taxes. 3)Very little government interference in business – let businesses do what they want. 4)Food stamp and welfare programs for the poor. 5)High taxes. 6)Many rules for businesses that protect the environment, workers, and consumers.

Which party would want? (Point to the party sign.) 1)Almost all government run public schools paid for by taxes – and few, if any private schools. 2)Very low taxes. 3)Very little government interference in business – let businesses do what they want. 4)Food stamp and welfare programs for the poor. 5)High taxes. 6)Many rules for businesses that protect the environment, workers, and consumers. 7)Government provided health care.

Third Parties Introduce new ideas or press for a particular issue Often revolve around a political personality (e.g. Theodore Roosevelt)

overnmentandlaw/politicalparties/ overnmentandlaw/politicalparties

On the left side of your notebook, glue the clown. Fill in one balloon with POLITICAL PARTIES. On the other balloons write the four functions of political parties. You may color your clown.