1. Political Parties
Chapter 5

2. Opposition party: the party OUT of office at the time.
A Political Party is…
…a group of people who organize to win elections, control government, and make public policy.
Opposition party: the party OUT of office at the time.

3. America is a Two-party system
--Two political parties dominate politics--
Republicans Democrats

4. Democratic Party Republican Party
promotes universal access to healthcare
favors taxing the wealthy
pro-choice (women’s rights)
supports AIDS awareness/education
Republican Party
opposes government control of healthcare
opposes any tax increases
pro-life (ban abortion)
supports abstinence & drug-free lifestyle

5. Third Parties Parties other than Democrats or Republicans
Sometimes gain popularity
during elections
--but--
Usually “spoil” elections by
preventing a major party from
winning.

6. Examples of Third Parties (write down 3-4 examples)
Liberty Reform
Socialist Marijuana Reform
Labor Communist
Progressive Voter Rights
Independent Working Families
Libertarian Peace and Freedom
Prohibition Pirate
Southern New Union
Green American Nazi

7. Nominating Conventions
Members of the party come together to choose candidates for President and Vice President

8. Planks: party’s position on specific issues
Platforms & Planks
Platform: a statement of the political party’s goals
Planks: party’s position on specific issues

9. Straight party ticket: voting for candidates that are all in the same party
Split ticket: voting for
candidates from
different parties
(happens very
often today)