7 th Grade Civics Miss Smith *pgs

 An organization of citizens who share similar views on issues and who work together to put their ideas into effect through government action is a political party  Parties are often labeled as “liberal” or “conservative”

 The U.S. has a two-party system, however we have hundreds of parties  Not all parties make the same impact on national politics  The Democratic Party and Republican Party are the two main parties Democratic PartyRepublican Party Liberal Favors a greater role of the federal gov. in providing social programs Conservative Supports reducing the power of the federal government in operating social programs

 In this system, it is more difficult for one party to win a majority of votes

 One-party system: government controlled by a single political party  Usually forbids the formation of all other political parties

 Third parties- smaller political parties  Theodore Roosevelt was denied the Rep. party presidential nomination, he decided to run in a party he made (the Progressive Party). He did not win, but he took votes from the Rep. candidate, which allowed the Dem. candidate to win.  Few third party candidates have done as well as Roosevelt in elections, however many third parties suggest great ideas for our country