1. Political Parties: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

2. Warm Up
Think of a time when you had a disagreement with someone. Was it a friend? If so, did you remain friends after the disagreement? Were you able to talk out the issue and solve the problem? If so, how? If not, why not?

3. Political Parties… What are they?
Political Party – a group of people with common interests who organize together in order to influence government policies
How? Through elections, control of government, influencing media, public opinion, and more
The US, at its founding, was a one-party system
George Washington, at his farewell address warned of the problems caused by factions
Of course, after his presidency, the political parties were born. Listened to him, didn’t they?

4. Different types of Political Party Systems
One-Party System – One party is the gov’t and they set the gov’t policy
Usually found in authoritarian gov’ts or theocracies
China, Korea, Vatican City, Formerly US
Two-Party System – Two major parties compete for power
Only about a dozen in the world have this system
US, Japan, Nicaragua, Honduras, Malta
Multiparty System – Multiple parties vie for power
This is actually the most common political party system
France (5), Italy (10)

5. What do we need parties for?
Nominate candidates and pick one person to run for office
Organize voters by encouraging them to vote, calling, ing, etc.
Label – voters more easily recognize the party name rather than an individual’s name
Provide information to the public
Watchdog – each party watches the other and publicly announce their problems and scandals to keep each other informed.
Govern – Make decisions for us

6. Two-Party System in US
Republicans: typically religious, economically conservative, Cuban, veterans
Democrats: typically blue collar workers, urban, women, Latinos, African Am., environmentalists
Left (Liberal) Middle (Moderate) Right (Conservative)

7. History of Political Parties in the US
On your warm-up sheets, answer these questions concerning the doc:
What were the reasons for these splits?
Which party has seemed more stable throughout its history?
In what ways do minor parties influence elections?
Why did the Whig Party split up in 1853?
Why did the Democratic Party split up in 1857?
About how many times did the Democratic Party split up? Republican Party?
Why did the Know-Nothing Party organize? Why were they called the Know-Nothings?
Why was the Free-Soil Party organized?
What seems to be the causes and effects of a party splitting?

8. Check on Learning (Warm Up Sheet)
How many types of party systems are there?
What are they?
Name at least 3 reasons as to why we need parties.
Name 2 groups of people which typically vote Republican.
Name 2 groups of people which typically vote Democrat.