1. Political Parties

2. Political Party – an organization of citizens who wish to influence and control government by getting their members elected to office.
Two main parties – Republicans and Democrats

3. How Parties help Government
Select candidates – nominate candidates to run for public office
Setting goals – establish a PLATFORM – statement of party’s stand on major public issues
Providing leadership – provide day-to-day leadership in government
Act as watchdogs – keep people aware of what is going on in government.

4. How Parties Help Citizens
Citizens’ voice in government – provide a way for citizens to be heard
Informing citizens – provide facts, figures, and party stances on various issues

5. History
Democratic Party - Evolved from the Democratic-Republicans. Andrew Jackson was the leader and first Democratic President.
Opposed strong national government – supported states rights.
Republican Party – began in 1854 as Anti-slavery party.
Supported business interests – strictly a party of the North – Abraham Lincoln first Republican President.