1. A Two-Party System
C.E.5

2. POLITICAL PARTIES WHAT ARE THEY

3. The Main Idea
Political parties play an important role in the American democratic process. Party supporters put their political ideas to work at all levels of government.

4. What is a political party?
A group of citizens with similar views on public issues who work to put their ideas into effective government action.

5. What is the role of political parties in the United States?
Way for large groups with similar ideas to get things done
Take positions on public issues and work to pass laws

6. What are the functions of political parties?
Recruiting and nominating candidates
Educating the electorate about campaign issues
Helping candidates win elections
Monitoring actions of office holders

7. What is the role of political parties in the United States?
Allows individuals to have a stronger voice within a group
Parties must compromise and work together

8. The development of political parties in the United States
Federalists—believed in strengthening the central government
Antifederalists (Democratic-Republicans) tried to limit the power of the federal government.

9. Similarities and Differences between political parties
Organize to win elections
Influence public opinion
Reflect both liberal and conservative views
Define themselves in a way that wins the majority support by appealing to the political center
Stated in party platforms and reflected in campaigning

10. Third-Parties Introduce new ideas and/or press for a particular issue
Often revolve around a political personality
(e.g., Theodore Roosevelt)

11. Third party activity:
Please find the following info about your assigned political party:

12. What is a One-party political system?
dictatorships or totalitarian governments; one group or person has power; people do not have essential freedoms

13. What is a Two-party political system?
create stable governments; allow for majority rule; voters have a choice

14. The Creation of the Democratic & Republican Parties
1854—Republican Party formed by antislavery groups; nominated Abraham Lincoln for president in 1860
1820s—Andrew Jackson led the Democratic Party; determined the government should represent the “common people”

15. What are the advantages of the Two-Party System?
Don’t offer extreme policies or points of view
Offer ideas & policies near the center of political opinion
Government policies are unlikely to change drastically in a short period of time

16. What are the differences between one- and two-party systems?
One-Party System
Two-Party System
Usually a totalitarian government
Usually an unlimited government
A government unrestrained by the people
Opposition parties illegal
Usually restrictive of civil and political rights
Usually forms a stable government
Usually a limited government
Composed of a diverse group of people who share similar political beliefs
Elections are based on a “winner take all” format
Usually civil and political rights are protected

17. Platform and Plank
Platform is a series of statements expressing the party’s principles, beliefs, and positions on election issues
Planks are the individual portions of the platform.
For example, there is portion of the platform that deals with economic issues and specific plank would be taxes.

18. The platforms

20. Democrats Looking for change
Support government intervention in economic matters
EX: government restrictions on auto industry after going bankrupt
Back government intervention to restore balance in society
EX: social programs: social security, welfare, food stamps, student loans, environment
Remember that republicans also support social programs j

21. Democrats Believe in a strengthened government
EX: BIG government = a GOOD government
See wealth and power as a threat to equality
EX: people should have as equal wealth as possible

23. Republicans Look to preserve strong morals and values (Pro-life)
Oppose the expansion of government
EX: the SMALLER the government, the BETTER the government, more power to states
Emphasize self-reliance
EX: people depend on themselves-no government assistance programs (social security)

24. Republicans Support free enterprise
EX: people should have the opportunity to explore/create any business venture they wish)
Oppose government regulation
EX: the government should not interfere with private business (banks, auto industry, environmental industry)
The thing is that both parties promote the same things…….

25. Political candidate evaluation activity
Step one: pick three issues that concern you
Step two: pick an example from each category and find information about 3 issues. (education, environment, immigration)
For example, category one deals with the candidates team. Use one of the examples listed and find info concerning one of your three issues. So a website that talks about your candidate on education.
You can make a google document and share with me or just write it or type it up. This is due on Friday, April 8th!

26. Political Party Organization

27. The Main Idea
Political parties have workers and committees at the local, state, and national levels. The party nominates candidates for office and campaigns to get those candidates elected.

28. Organization of Political Party
National Chair person and committee
State Chairperson and State Committee
Local Chair person
City, Town, or County committee

29. What does a party do at the National level?
Each party has a national committee that has a chairperson. The role of the committee and chairperson is to help raise money for national elections and organize the party’s national convention.
The chairperson manages the above work.
Republic national chairperson: Reince Priebus
Democratic national chairperson: Debbie Wasserman Schultz

30. What is the national convention?
Every four years each political party nominate their candidates for President and Vice President.
They also prepare the platform at the convention
How do you become a delegate at the convention ?
You are chosen by local and state party leaders .
For example, Wake county will be choosing two delegates to go the Democratic Party Convention. They will vote on this on 4/16.

31. State and Local level organizations
Each state has a state level for their party.
For example, North Carolina has the NC Republic Party committee and the Democratic Party committee
Each city or county is divided into precincts which are geographic areas with a specific number of voters.
Everyone in the same precinct votes at the same polling place.

32. Nominating Candidates
One of the roles of a political party is to nominate candidates for elections. The primary way this is done is through a direct primary.

33. Direct Primaries
A direct primary is when voters choose candidates to represent each party in a general election.
The general election is when you choose which party wins.

34. Open v. Closed Primaries
Most states use a closed primary. A closed primary is when only declared party members are allowed to vote for that party’s nominees.
Open primary- this is when voters do not need to declare a party in order to vote for the parties nominees.

35. What does NC have? http://www.ncvoter.org/who-can-vote/