1. Unit 2: Government Systems & Politics Party systems and Organization

2. Political Parties  Political party – group of citizens with similar views on issues & work to put ideas into government  Political Party nominate candidates to run for political office  Candidate – person who runs for government office  5 functions of PPs:  Campaigning for candidates – help politicians get elected  Informing citizens – give information on issues & how government operates  Help manage government – appoint local members to certain jobs  Linking diff levels – provide link between local, state, & federal government  Watchdog – alert public of wrongdoing

3. Political Parties  Often labeled “liberal” or “conservative”  Placed on political spectrum – differences in political views held by different Political Parties  Platform – overall views/principles/beliefs of Political Party  Plank – individual issues in platform

4. Party Systems  Two-party system: 2 main Political Parties  2 major Political Parties battle for control of government  Ex: U.S. = Democrats & Republicans  One-party system: 1 major Political Party; voters have no choice; Political Parties usually forbidden  Dictatorships or totalitarian governments  Ex: Communism – China, North Korea, Cuba  Multi-party system: 3+ strong Poltical Parties fighting for government control  Have to compromise & work together.  Coalition: agreement between 2+ Political Parties to work together to run government  Ex: France, Germany, England

5. History of Political Parties  Democratic-Republican Party – Thomas Jefferson  Wanted limited power of national government & stronger state governments  Federalist Party – Alexander Hamilton  Wanted strong national government to protect peoples rights & solve problems

6. Democrats & Republicans  Democratic Party (Democrats):  more liberal & more government involvement  Government active in solving social problems  Bigger government, higher taxes, more change, controlled economy  Republican Party (Republicans):  more conservative & less government involvement  Less change, less taxes on rich, less government spending  Social problems solved with less government  Social programs handled by state/local governments & non-government organizations

7. Third Parties  Minor Political Parties in a 2 party system – third parties  Not enough people to compete or win national elections  Alternative to major Political Parties; have influence on laws & elections

8. Third Parties  1912: Theodore Roosevelt: Progressive Party  1992: Ross Perot: United We Stand America, Reform  1996: Ralph Nader: Green, Independent

9. ORGANIZATION OF Political Parties Political Party Organization Federal Level National committee hold national convention. Delegates nominate candidates for President & VP State Level Each state has committee or organization. Focus on state offices. (Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General) Local Level Precinct Organize volunteers Distribute Leaflets Register Voters

10. Party must be organized at ALL levels – Leaders, Committees, Workers Party committees plan for Political Parties Each Political Parties has national committee: – Sets up national convention – Aids presidential candidate – Raises funds for president election Party Organization & Committees

11. Each Political Party has a state committee in all 50 states – Supervises party organization in each state – Raises money & Organizes campaigns Committees at local level: – Conducts all local campaigns – Raise money for party & candidates Party Committees

12. Each city or county is divided into election or voting districts = precincts People vote at polling place – voters in precinct all go to same polling place Local Organization

13. Running for office = VERY EXPENSIVE – Ex: 2004 presidential candidates raised over $900 million for campaigns Private Financing = large percentage of funds – Voters, business groups, unions, organizations – Contributions limited – no more than $2000 Unlimited donations to activities not a part of campaign – “soft money” contributions Financing Campaigns

14. Public Financing: Presidential Election Campaign Fund – U.S. Treasury gives money to candidates – Rules & regulations for candidates who accept public financing Political Action Committees (PACs) – groups created by corporations, union, & organizations to raise money for a candidate – cannot exceed $5000 Financing Campaigns