1. Political Parties Chapter 9 section 3

2. A.Political party An organization that tries to elect members to public office How do parties differ from interest groups?

3. B. Roles of Political Parties 1. Nominating candidates for office

4. 2. Parties aid in the electoral process: a.by educating the public on issues, b.by providing a “brand name” for candidates, c.help the electorate register to vote, learn about politics, and generally inform voters, and d.act as “watchdogs” of the other party.

5. 3. Parties run the government-ex., whichever party holds a majority in either the House of Reps or the Senate controls the legislative agenda. Democratic Party 188 Republican Party 246 Vacant1 Democratic Party 45 Republican Party 54 Vacant1

6. C. Party Systems 1. One-Party System- Political party and the government are the SAME Only 1 party, so no competing ideas Party membership based on lineage, wealth, military power, religious power Example: China (Communist Party)

7. 2.) Multi-Party System: Three or more parties compete for control of the government Common in Europe, Israel, Japan Advantage: provides voters with many different choices and ideas Disadvantage: difficult for one party to get majority of votes, which leads to a Coalition: EXAMPLE – Italy

8. 3. Two-Party System: Two parties compete with each other to run the government. Party system of U.S.: Democrats and Republicans Advantages: Continuity Disadvantages: Minority parties (third parties) receive little attention – focus is on two main parties

9. Why does US have a persistent 2 party system? 1.Parties are broad enough to appeal to a wide range of people 2.Winner-take-all system- no reward for 2 nd place, so voters try to choose best from two options 3.Tradition

10. D. Roles of third parties in US system Independent parties are any party other than the major two. 1.Put issues on the political agenda 2.Spoil the election 3.Keep major parties honest

11. E. Party Organization 1.Local level-varies from state to state. A county party committee is usually chosen from a precinct-smallest level of politics and voting. A ward is made up of several precincts. find your polling place

12. 2. State level-state committees organize support and work for party members throughout the state

13. 3. National parties-national committees for the party hold regular meetings to design the party’s platform, coordinate fundraising efforts, and support members throughout the country.

14. F. Why are more and more Americans identifying as Independents? 1.Parties too similar 2.Too much money given to candidates from big parties 3.Voters are tired of the bickering between parties