1.  Political Party- An association of voters with common interests  2 Party System- A political system where 2 major political parties win almost all elections  Independents- People who do not belong to a political party  Moderates- People whose beliefs fall in the middle, between republicans and democrats  Platform- Expresses a party’s beliefs and position on issues  Grassroots- The local level of a political party

2.  What is a political party?

4.  A Political Party is an association of voters that promote political beliefs and nominate candidates.  Their goal is to help the party gain as many offices as possible.

5.  The United States is said to have to 2 Party system because the 2 major political parties dominate. ◦ Candidate’s typically need a majority vote to win an election  Some countries, like China, are ruled by a 1 Party system. By law, the only political party allowed to exist is the party in power.

6.  A Multi-Party system is when 3 or more parties compete for control of the government. ◦ Parties only need a plurality vote to remain in power.  Independents are voters that are not affiliated with any party.

7.  Third Parties believe that neither of the two major parties are meeting the needs of the people.  Third Parties are created to challenge the Republicans and Democrats. They have never won a presidential election but can affect the outcome of elections.  Because 3 rd parties rarely win elections many groups form coalitions. ◦ Banding together of different groups to achieve political success

8.  What is the major difference between a Republican and Democrat?  Answer: How much government should be involved in the lives of Americans?

9.  Conservatives  Believe less government involvement is better  Govt’s main role is to provide law and order  Believe Govt’s job is to provide citizens with the opportunity for success, not guarantee it  Want economy to grow so poor people can find jobs and help themselves

10.  Liberals  Gov’t should be active and “hands on”  Advocate for Gov’t to provide welfare, health needs, job assistance  Gov’t should provide housing, income, healthcare, eductation & jobs for its citizens

11.  Moderates are those whose beliefs fall in the middle, between liberals and conservatives.  Radicals are those within a political party that hold extreme views. ◦ Ex: Those favoring gov’t control of businesses or healthcare.

12.  Read the platform that each party writes at its national convention. ◦ Event held every 4 years where delegates from each state nominate who will run for president  Platform expresses the party’s principles, beliefs, and positions on issues.  Plank: Each individual part of the platform.

13.  Nominate Candidates: Select strong candidates  Campaigning: Raising $, help get ideas across, register voters ◦ Important at “grassroots level”- Local level of gov’t  Inform Citizens: Speeches, Billboards, Commercials  Manage Government: Hand out Gov’t jobs

14.  Link Levels of Gov’t: All levels of gov’t work together, especially if same political party. EX: Pres., Gov., & Mayor  Play watchdog role: Losers watch over winners and wait for them to screw up.

15.  Political Machines: A strong party organization that keeps getting re- elected.  Tammany Hall and “Boss” Tweed  Become corrupt and unresponsive to the needs of the people  Machines often buy votes through patronage, or the promising of a position to individuals for support

16.  WHAT IS A POLITICAL PARTY?  WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A TWO PARTY SYSTEM?  SUMMARIZE THE MAIN IDEAS BEHIND THE DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN PARTIES.  WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LIBERALS, MODERATES AND RADICALS?  WHAT IS A PARTY PLATFORM?  WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FUNCTIONS AND ROLES OF POLITICAL PARTIES?  WHAT ARE SOME PROBLEMS THAT POLITICAL PARTIES HAVE EXPERIENCED?

17.  Why are competing political parties a necessary part of a democratic government?  They give voters a choice among candidates and ideas.