1. Political Parties
Ch. 9

2. Party Systems One Party System Two Party System Multi-Party System
Only 1 party is allowed to exist
China, Cuba
Two Party System
U.S. – Democrats & Republicans
There are other parties but are a minority
Multi-Party System
Found in many European countries
Plurality – one party wins more seats than all others
Majority – one party wins more than half of available seats
Coalition – alliance with another party
Problems – tough to get a majority & can cause disorder & confusion

3. Which of the following best describes the Electoral College?
The popular vote carries more weight
This primary race helps narrow the field of candidates
It is a body of electors who pledge to vote for a candidate after the popular vote
It is a way that citizens can propose new constitutional amendments

4. U.S. Party System Washington & Madison warned against parties
Jefferson – anti-Federalist – became Democratic-Republicans
Hamilton & Adams – Federalist
Era of Good Feelings – Monroe
Only 1 party – Federalists died out after the War of 1812
Whigs rise to power against Jackson’s Democrats
Civil War – Republicans rose to power as opponents to slavery

5. Third Parties Parties that challenge the 2 dominant parties
Never held the presidency
Influence the candidates for presidency
Can steal votes from a party causing the other dominant party to win
Populist Party – 1890s – farmers
Progressive Party – aka Bull Moose Party
Reform Party – formed in 1992 – gained 19% of vote

6. 3rd Parties Based on 3 things
Can be one or all three
Single Issue – Ex: Green
Political Beliefs – Libertarian – limited gov’t interference on business
Single Candidates –
Ross Perot
Ron Paul
Almost Hillary Clinton in 2008

7. Third Parties in US History
Ross Perot
Reform Party
1992
George Wallace
American Independent Party
1968
Ralph Nader
Green Party
2000, 2004
Teddy Roosevelt
Bull Moose Party (Progressive)
1912

8. Which of the following is the legal duty of citizenship?
Register and vote
Hold elective office
Keep informed about issues
Obey laws

9. Political Party Functions
Main purpose – to get candidates elected to office
Encourage people to participate
Express opinions
Get involved in government
Patronage – giving special positions to loyal party workers

10. Political Party Functions cont.
Parties nominate the candidate
Campaign for the candidate
Inform citizens
Help manage government
Link different levels of government
Act as a watchdog – make sure the other party doesn’t become corrupt
Grassroots movement – idea that starts with a group of people and moves to the national scene

11. Party Beliefs
Political Machine – strong party organization that has its candidates elected year after year and dominates a local area – Tammany Hall
Platform – the goals of the party or stance on all issues
Plank – a party’s stance on one issue

12. Famous Political Machines
Chicago Democratic Machine
Richard J. Daley (50s, 60s, and 70s)
Richard M. Daley (1989 – present)
Other major cities have political machines

13. Party Organization National Chairperson Precinct Committeemen
At the top
Runs the national committee
Followed by state, county, city etc
Precinct Committeemen
Smallest – a neighborhood committee
Ward Boss
Second smallest
Runs a couple of neighborhoods
Look at the chart on page 280 for help

14. Example of Voter Precincts

15. Party Organization
Reince Priebus
Tim Kaine
Linda Daves
David Young 15

16. Nominating Candidates
Caucus – meeting of party members
Nominating Convention – delegates are chosen by party members to select the candidate
Direct Primary Elections – registered voters choose the candidates – 2 types
Open Primary – party membership not required to vote
Closed Primary – only registered party members can vote