1. The Development of Political Parties in the U.S.
**President George Washington warned in his farewell speech in 1796
against “baneful effects of the spirit of party”.
Political party - - a group of citizens who agree on major issues who join together
to win elections, control government, and influence government
policies.
**The role political parties play in government depends on the type of government
a nation has.

2. The One-Party System
-The party is the government
-Differences arise only within the party
-Usually tolerates no outside opposition.
-Cannot exist in a democracy.
Ex. Communism in Russia, Cuba, North Korea, China
Authoritarian Regimes-Saddam Hussein in Iraq
Islamic Republican Party-Iran

3. Multiparty System
-Many parties
-Most common
-Parties often represent widely differing ideologies (basic beliefs)
-One party rarely gets total control, so several parties must work together to form a coalition. If coalition falls, a new election must take place.
-Nations with parliament and prime minister
-Often unstable- -difficult to get groups to work together to agree.
Examples: France
Italy
Two-Party System
-Two major political parties and some minor parties.
Example: United States

4. 1st Political Parties of the U.S.
**In 1796, George Washington warned in his farewell speech against
“baneful effects of the spirit of party”. However, two parties had already
emerged:
Federalists- -led by Alexander Hamilton and encouraged a strong central
government with a powerful chief executive.
2. Democratic-Republicans- -led by Thomas Jefferson and feared a powerful central government. They wanted the states to hold greater power.

5. **In 1828, the Democratic and Republican party split into 2 parties.
-Democrats nominated Andrew Jackson (when the donkey became symbol)
-National Republicans become Whigs.
**In 1850, Slavery split the parties:
Democrats become- -Northern Democrats
- -Southern Democrats
Republicans- -totally oppose the spread of slavery
**After the Civil War, the Democrat and Republican parties emerge and still
exist today as the major parties although their platforms have changed through
out the years.

6. The Role of Minor Political Parties
**Third parties have always been a part of the U.S. political scene and do play
an important role.
Third Party- -any party other than the 2 major parties.
- -often called minor parties
- -rarely win elections
Ex. Populist Party, Progressive Party,
Reform Party, Green Party

7. 3 Types of Third Parties
Single Issue Party- -focuses exclusively on one major social, economic, or
moral issue.
- -generally short-lived
Ex. Free Soil Party- -stop the spread of slavery.
2. Ideological Party- -focuses on an overall change in society.
Ex. Communist- -government ownership for the people
Libertarian Party- -drastic reduction in government in order to
increase personal freedoms.
3. Splinter Party- -splits from a major party over a disagreement.
Ex. Progressive Party- -split when Taft was
given Republican
nomination.

8. Impact of Third Parties
They have influenced the outcome of major elections.
Ex. Bull Moose Party split the Republicans so a Democrat won election.
2. They can influence policy and law.
Ex. Populist Party platform brought laws concerning workers rights
Direct election of senators, progressive income tax, 8 hour work day

9. Difficult getting on the ballot of all 50 states. -requires petitions
Third Party Obstacles
Difficult getting on the ballot of all 50 states.
-requires petitions
2. Hard to win in districts
-we have single winner instead of proportional seats
Difficult to raise money.
-Most don’t want to donate to minor parties
Gary Johnson, nominee
for the Libertarian Party.
Jill Stein, nominee for the Green Party.