1. Political Parties

2. What is a Political Party?
An organization of people
Share the same ideas of government
Members committed to party goals
Get candidates elected to office
Get laws passed to aid party goals

3. Party Systems Most countries have political parties Party systems
One party
Two party
Multi-party

4. U.S. Party System Two party system Two major parties vie for office
Other minor parties exist
Major parties
Democratic party
Republican Party

5. Similarities of Major Parties in U.S.
All value personal rights, freedoms
Educational opportunities for all
Economic opportunities for all
Government duty- to protect nation
Preserve environment
Help citizens

6. Differences Disagree on ways to meet goals Example:
Democrats- government directly helps the poor
Republicans- government helps economy and poor get jobs

7. Benefits of Two Party System
Stabilizing
Keeps people near the center
Extreme ideas not supported by populace
Continuity
Government changes parties often
Transition is usually smooth

8. Disadvantages Minority groups left out Ex. Civil rights
Women's movement
Needed major party support

9. Multi-Party System Three or more parties- Japan, Israel
Advantage- More voter choice
Disadvantage- Voters divided
No party gets majority votes
Must form coalition government
Coalition may not work-
50 governments in Italy since W.W.II

10. One Party System Party and government are almost the same- China
One party’s members run for office
Head of government usually head of party
Party members recruit new party members
Party members given top government jobs