Essential Question How do political parties operate?
Political Parties
The Civil War By the time of the Civil War, two major parties dominated U.S. politics
Modern Political Parties Republicans Democrats
Membership How does a voter join a political party? Declare a party when registering to vote
Independent A voter may declare to be independent Does not support any particular party
Roles of a Party Member May contribute money or do volunteer work for the party
Roles of a Party Member In most states one must be a party member to be its candidate for public office
Third Parties Minor parties other than the major two Believe that neither party is meeting certain needs
Libertarian Party
Green Party
Constitution Party
Justice Party
Party for Socialism and Liberation
American Independent Party
Peace and Freedom Party
Socialist Party
America’s Party
Reform Party
Prohibition Party
American Pirate Party
Unity Party