1. Rise of the two-party system in Georgia

2. Purpose of Political parties
Political Parties are organizations that seek to elect their members to public office.
2 main political parties: Democrats and Republicans
The goal of the party is to control the government by winning elections
In Primary elections Voters select the person who will represent the party in the general election
Primaries are open to members of both parties (only if you live in an “open” state)
You may only vote in one party primary

3. Two parties: what’s the difference
Republicans
Democrats
Conservative
Laissez-faire economy
Business-oriented
Less government in economy
Strict interpretation of the constitution
Strong military
Liberal
Mixed economy: free enterprise with government intervention
Works to alleviate poverty and social injustice
Loose interpretation of the constitution
Decreased military spending
Supports increased gun control

4. Georgia’s history
After reconstruction, the Democratic Party dominated Georgia politics for years.
The Democratic Primary was the state’s true election with weak Republican showings in elections or no Republican candidate at all. This is why the White Primary was an effective way to disenfranchise African American voters.

5. A house divided
1930’s: Georgia Democratic governor, Eugene Talmadge, did not support democratic President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal programs. They disagreed on how much government control there should be.
In the 1940’s, Southern Democrats created a group called the Dixiecrats, aka “State’s Democratic Party” and fought Civil Rights legislation. Other democrats such as Lester Maddox became independents, while others shifted their allegiance to the Republican Party.
In 1950, President Harry S. Truman (Democrat) desegregated the military. Southern democrats did not like this decision.
In the 1960’s., democratic presidents Kennedy and Johnson supported desegregation, making the Democratic Party the Civil Rights Party. This prompted more southern democrats to begin to break away from the Democratic Party and join the Republican Party.

6. Causes for the Shift of allegiance
Civil Rights Issues
Republican platform of “smaller federal government” and shifting some federal power back to the states.
The end of the County Unit System made it easier for Republicans to run for office in districts that were like-minded.

7. Gradual Shift
In the state of Georgia, the rise of the two party system gradually shifted over time.
1964- Georgia elected their first Republican congressman and electoral votes went to a Republican presidential candidate for the first time.
2003- Sonny Perdue became the first Republican governor in Georgia since

8. Two Party System FACTORS IN THIS CHANGE End of the county unit system
Reapportionment
GA shifted in 1960’s away from Democratic Party because of their support for civil rights movement.
The rise of the two party system had a profound impact on Georgia:
One party no longer completely controls state affairs.
The concept of checks and balances is truly effective and open debate over issues is encouraged for the good of all Georgians.