1. An Introduction to Political Parties
12th Grade
American Government
Mrs. Goss

2. What is a political party?
Specific Definition:
A group of persons, joined together on the basis of certain common principles, who seek to control the government in order to bring about the adoption of certain public policies and programs.
Broad Definition:
a group of people who seek to control the government through the winning of elections and holding of public office.

3. What is a major party? A major party is:
the dominant political party(s) in a political system
For example, in the United States we have 2 major parties:
Democrats
Republicans
Major parties are election oriented instead of issue oriented.
Coalition: a union of persons who have diverse interests that join together to get their candidate elected to public office or their issue passed.

4. The Political Spectrum
Green Reform
Communist Fascist
Socialist Moderate Constitution

5. The Five Functions of Political Parties
Nominating Function
Nominate candidates for public office.
Present the candidate to the voters.
Recruit candidates.
Gather support for the candidates.
Almost exclusively a party function in our country!

6. Informer-Stimulator Function
Inform people about candidates and election issues.
Motivate people to vote.
Assisted by news media and interest groups.
Biased to party’s own interests.
“Seal of Approval” Function
Bonding Agent: ensures the good performance of its candidates & officeholders.
Selects qualified candidates because poor performance not only harms the candidate/officeholder, it harms the party as well.
Imposed on parties by the democratic process.

7. Governmental Function
Office holders generally chosen on the basis of party.
Congress and State Legislatures chosen along party lines.
Most Congressional business is conducted along party lines.
Most appointments are made on the basis of party.
Help work along the channels for separation of powers.

8. Watchdog Function Watch over the conduct of the public’s business.
Particular of the party out of power “the loyal opposition.”
The opposition wants to throw the party in power out and tries to convince the voters that this is in their best interest.