1. The Political Specturm
Macdonald
Government

2. Definition
Term used to refer to differences in ideologies between major political parties
In US, Republicans usually are thought to be on the right of the spectrum (conservative)
Democrats on left (liberal)

3. History of Political Parties
In the US, founding fathers did not trust groups of ppl with their own political ideas (factions or parties)
G. Washington warned against them in his Farewell Address
Soon, though, two groups formed in US w/ opposing ideas – parties existed ever since
Federalists – wanted more authority w/ central gov’t
Democratic-Republicans – wanted more authority w/ states

4. Purpose of Parties Nominate, organize & support candidates
Unify voters
Translate ideas into policies
Influence current gov’t
Provide loyal opposition

5. Party Systems Coalition gov’t necessary
Multi-Party
Coalition gov’t necessary
Minor parties have reason to exist
Proportional representation
Gov’t tends to be instable
Two Party
Winner-takes-all system
“wasted vote” syndrome discourages minor parties
Gov’t tends to be stable
Little real change in policy

6. Minor Parties Ideological Parties Protest Parties Single Issue Parties
Splinter Parties
Libertarian Party
Green Party
Reform Party
1. Third party that exists to promote an ideology rather than to win elections - The socialist parties, which have run candidates in virtually every presidential election in this century are ideological parties
2. Third party that arises in response to issues of popular concern which have not been addressed by the major parties - William Jennings Bryan of the Populist Party did not win the presidency in 1896, but he came very close
3. Third party formed around one particular cause – Examples: Prohibition Party, Green Party
4. Third party formed by a dissatisfied faction of a major party - Strom Thurmond was a States’ Rights Democratic candidate for the presidency in The party formed in protest to the civil rights plan in the Democratic Party platform 6

7. Democrats vs. Republicans
Liberal (Dems.)
Gov’t should promote social change to increase ppl’s well being.
Change w/in existing political systems
Conservative (Reps.)
Gov’t stay out of lives of ppl & businesses, except on moral issues
Favor status quo (keeping things the same)

8. Beliefs Democrats Moderates Republicans Change Tradition
Probs due to society
Probs are individual
Gov’t should help solve probs.
Gov’t should be less involved – ppl should solve own probs.

9. Issues Democrats Republicans Pro-choice Pro-life Flag burning
No flag burning
Gay marriage
Heterosexual marriage
Welfare
Limit welfare
Health care for all
Private health care
Environmental protection
De-regulation
School funding
Vouchers
Anti-discrimination
Right to hire
Gender equality
Merit Pay
Affirmative Action
Competition
Legalize Drugs
Criminalize Drugs