1. POLITICAL PARTIES American Political Spectrum
Notes1
American Political Spectrum
WHAT IS A POLITICAL PARTY
3. FUNCTIONS OF POLITICAL PARTIES
4. Party Membership Patterns
5. American Parties throughout our history
6. Party Organization

2. THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM
LEFT CENTER RIGHT
Socialism Green Party Communism
No Govt
Democrat
Independent Reform
Republican
KKK
Dictator
Anarchy Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary Fascist
The Political Spectrum
A system that defines one’s political ideology or views on issues that are discussed in the public forum.
The terms above are used quite frequently by the American media, politicians and others.
The Political Spectrum only applies to American politics and is not an international concept.

3. THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM
LEFT CENTER RIGHT
Socialism Green Party Communism
No Govt
Democrat
Independent Reform
Republican
KKK
Dictator
Anarchy Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary Fascist
The Left
Liberals: believe an activist government in and government can help bring about change.
Protects the common man from the privileged class and create programs to help those who are in need….
Govt. is the protector not the oppressor.

4. THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM
LEFT CENTER RIGHT
Socialism Green Party Communism
No Govt
Democrat
Independent Reform
Republican
KKK
Dictator
Anarchy Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary Fascist
THE LEFT
Liberal: Chooses change over stability in the political, social and economic order…..Prefers future over the past. Always looking for ways to better society…..
Radical: Dissatisfied with the existing order, wants change through peaceful means…..In extreme situations, is willing to use violence to promote in entirely new political, social and economic system………
Anarchy: Absolutely no respect for law and order…..Total chaos.

5. THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM
LEFT CENTER RIGHT
Socialism Green Party Communism
No Govt
Democrat
Independent Reform
Republican
KKK
Dictator
Anarchy Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary Fascist
THE LEFT
Believes in government involvement to help the common man
The US Govt. tries to “level the playing field” because of past inequality in society
Confidence in letting people decide their own morality.
Tax the rich and redistribute the wealth to help the poor
Your constitutional rights are sacred and the government should never limit them even during times of crisis.
Prefer a smaller military and cut spending on military.

6. THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM
LEFT CENTER RIGHT
Socialism Green Party Communism
No Govt
Democrat
Independent Reform
Republican
KKK
Dictator
Anarchy Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary Fascist
THE LEFT
Use of force: Less willing to commit troops to Iraq or Persian Gulf
Abortion: Pro-Choice
Separation of Church/State: Support
Same Sex Marriage: Support
Crime: Believe we should solve the problems which lead to crime.
Defendant’s rights: Believe we should guard them carefully.

7. THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM
LEFT CENTER RIGHT
Socialism Green Party Communism
No Govt
Democrat
Independent Reform
Republican
KKK
Dictator
Anarchy Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary Fascist
The Right
Conservatives: believe in lesser government involvement in people’s lives the better.
Supports business because what has made this country great is not the government but the people’s ability to use their creativity.
Govt. should use its power to preserve traditional values even if it means restricting freedoms.

8. THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM
LEFT CENTER RIGHT
Socialism Green Party Communism
No Govt
Democrat
Independent Reform
Republican
KKK
Dictator
Anarchy Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary Fascist
The Right
Conservative: Prefers existing order in the political, social and economic system and does not like change. “If it works, leave it alone”.
Reactionary: Refuses to accept the present….Past was better. Will use violence. Looks to the past as the way to solve today’s problems.
Dictator: One man or a small group controls the government….. Usually no rights are allowed.

9. THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM The Right
LEFT CENTER RIGHT
Socialism Green Party Communism
No Govt
Democrat
Independent Reform
Republican
KKK
Dictator
Anarchy Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary Fascist
The Right
Smaller and lesser the govt. in people’s lives, the better.
Strong work ethic……Instead of the govt. helping people, people help one another or work yourself out of being poor.
Believe in traditional values and morality in society.
Cut taxes: Gives people more money and economic freedom
Your constitutional rights can be temporarily sacrificed especially during times of national security.
Peace through strength----Our democracy is preserved when are military is strong.

10. THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM
LEFT CENTER RIGHT
Socialism Green Party Communism
No Govt
Democrat
Independent Reform
Republican
KKK
Dictator
Anarchy Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary Fascist
THE RIGHT
Same sex marriage: Oppose
Crime: Enforce the law and punish criminals, not rehabilitate.
Defendant’s rights: Important but support victim’s rights and police to do their jobs
Use of force: Willing to stick it out in Iraq to promote democracy
Abortion: Pro-Life
Separation of Church/State: Oppose

11. THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM
LEFT CENTER RIGHT
Socialism Green Party Communism
No Govt
Democrat
Independent Reform
Republican
KKK
Dictator
Anarchy Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary Fascist
The Center
Moderate: Also referred to as being in the “middle of the road”…..Someone who tends to see the good and bad of both sides of the political spectrum and votes for what he believes is best…….

12. THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM
LEFT CENTER RIGHT
Socialism Green Party Communism
No Govt
Democrat
Independent Reform
Republican
KKK
Dictator
Anarchy Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary Fascist
Democrats and Republicans tend focus their issues on the center of the political spectrum. Most Americans fall into the middle or moderates…...
Liberals and Conservatives have different philosophies on issues but are striving for the same goals----Preserve our liberties and freedoms that were fought for in the American Revolution.

13. Is it required for citizens to join a political party?
POLITICAL PARTIES
People with common interests join together to nominate candidates for public office.
GOAL: To win elections and control of the govt.
Is it required for citizens to join a political party?

14. Party Identification
It is not mandatory to join a political party in the U.S….However, to vote you must register and you will asked your party affiliation.

15. FUNCTIONS OF POLITICAL PARTIES
OR WHAT THEY DO
Nominate Candidates —Recruit, choose, and present candidates for public office.
Inform and Activate Supporters — “Educates the voters”. Campaign, define issues, posters, Candidates Night, TV/Radio ads, debates, websites.
Act as a Bonding Agent — “Seal of approval” Guarantee that their candidate is worthy of the office.
Govern —Members of government act according to their partisanship, or firm allegiance to a party.
Act as a Watchdog —Parties that are out of power keep a close eye on the actions of the party in power for a blunder to use against them in the next election.

16. FUNCTIONS OF POLITICAL PARTIES
Recruits and nominates candidates
Parties select candidates and present them to the voters.
Informer-stimulator
All parties “educate the voters” on their candidates
Campaigns, newspaper, buttons, radio and television clips.
Try to attract as many voters as possible
Simplifying political choices
“Seal of the approval” or bonding agent
Qualified/good character = good performance

17. FUNCTIONS OF POLITICAL PARTIES
Operating the government
Congress and state congresses are organized on party lines……
Most appointments by the president are based on party lines…..
Executive and legislative (of different parties) must cooperate to run the government.
Watchdog function
Party out of power is the “loyal opposition”
Criticizes the policies and behavior of the other party
Helps reduce conflict within the party
Unite the party and win the election

18. 1932 Presidential election. Minor parties insignificant.

19. 1964 Presidential Election.
No minor parties.

20. 1984 Presidential election.
No minor parties.

21. 2004 Presidential Election
Bush PV = 59,017,382 = 52%
EV = 286
Kerry
PV = 55,435,808 = 48%
EV = 251

22. WHY A TWO PARTY SYSTEM
The Historical Basis. The nation started out with two-parties: the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists.
Tradition. America has a two-party system because it always has had one. Minor parties, lacking wide political support, have never made a successful showing, so people are reluctant to support them. Wasted vote.

23. PLURALITY VS MAJORITY
Electoral Process: Americans want the two best candidates from the two major parties. Voting for a minor party candidate is a “wasted vote.”
In every election, only 1 candidate wins. This is called a single-member district and is designed to favor the two major parties.
Plurality vs Majority: Americans want their elected officials to win by a “majority vote”, not a plurality. Why?
A majority vote means most Americans agree with the President’s or candidate’s policies which usually leads to a stable government.

24. PLURALITY VS MAJORITY
Plurality vote: In all elections, winning candidate only needs more votes than their opponents..Winner take all
Majority vote: Winning candidate wins election with 51% or more of the popular vote.

25. So, where would this lie on the political spectrum?
WHY A TWO PARTY SYSTEM
Ideological Consensus: Most Americans have a general agreement on fundamental issues. Strong rival parties do not exist in the United States.
Pluralistic society: Various ethnic, racial, religious and social groups compete for political power
Consensus: a general agreement among various groups on fundamental issues…..
taxation family values education
national debt drug problems terrorism
war in Iraq Immigration economy
National Security Rights/Freedoms
The Republicans and Democrats center their “core” beliefs or political ideology around these fundamental issues.
So, where would this lie on the political spectrum?

26. Democratic-Republicans
WHY A TWO PARTY SYSTEM
Federalists
Led by Alexander Hamilton
Represented wealthy and upper-class interests
Favored strong executive leadership and liberal interpretation of the Constitution
Evolved into the modern “Republican Party
Anti-Federalists
Democratic-Republicans
Led by Thomas Jefferson
Represented the “common man”
Favored Congress as the strongest arm of ”
government and a strict interpretation of the Constitution
Evolved into the modern “Democratic Party”

27. PARTY MEMBERSHIP PATTERNS
Factors that can influence party membership

28. Democratic- Republicans
America’s Two-Party System
Anti-Federalists
Federalists
Democratic-
Republicans
Whigs
Republicans
Republicans
Democrats

29. The Three Historical Eras
American Parties: Four Major Eras
The Three Historical Eras
The Era of the Democrats, 1800—1860
Democrats dominate all but two presidential elections.
The Whig Party emerges in 1834, but declines by the 1850s, electing only two Presidents.
The Republican Party is founded in 1854.
The Era of the Republicans, 1860—1932
Republicans dominate all but four presidential elections.
The Civil War disables the Democratic Party for the remainder of the 1800s.
The Return of the Democrats, 1932—1968
Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected President four times.

30. American Parties: Four Major Eras
The Start of a New Era: The Era of Divided Government
Since 1968, neither Republicans nor Democrats have dominated the presidency and Congress has often been controlled by the opposing party.
1968–1976
Republicans hold the presidency. Congress is controlled by Democrats
1976–1980
Democrats hold the presidency. Congress is controlled by Democrats
1980–1992
Republicans hold the presidency. Senate controlled by Republicans , controlled by Democrats from 1986 to 1994
1992 – 2000
Democrats hold the presidency Congress controlled by Republicans, 1994 to present
Republicans hold the presidency
Congress is controlled by Republicans

31. Democrats & Republicans have decentralized party organization.
National Committee
State Committees
Local Committees

32. Party Oganization
Each major party has a
“National Committee” – provides continuing leadership and direction between elections.
puts on national nominating convention every 4 years.

33. Political platforms are built around their “core beliefs”.
Party Organization
The party conventions draw up their political platform – the statement of goals and principles they stand for.
Political platforms are built around their “core beliefs”.

34. After the national nominating convention, the national committees…
Party Organization
After the national nominating convention, the national committees…
Raise funds for candidates
Promote the party (media blitz)
Help elect candidates for…
President
Senate
House of Reps

35. The number of Republicans and Democrats combined exceeds the number of Independents in every year. Why?
The number of Democrats consistently exceeds that of Republicans. Why?
The number of Democrats has shrunk over time, to the benefit of both Republicans and Independents. Why?
African Americans, Jews are linked to the Democratic party. Why?
Recent Trends

36. People who are low in education, income, and occupational status tend toward the Democratic party. Why?
Women are far more likely to be Democratic than are men. Why?
Midwesterners and Westerners are most likely to be Republicans. Why?
The youngest group votes Independent. Why?
Mid twenties to mid forties – heavily Republican. Why?
The oldest group – strongly Democratic. Why?
Recent Trends

37. The Model of Responsible Party Government
Four principles of responsible party government.
Parties should present clear and coherent programs to voters.
Voters should choose candidates on the basis of party programs.
The winning party should carry out its program once in office.
Voters should hold the governing party responsible at the next election for executing its program.
The Model of Responsible Party Government