1. Chapter 5
Political Parties

2. Section 1: Parties and What They Do
Facts:
A political party is a group of people with common principles, who seek to control government
Political parties work to get their candidates elected
Parties inform people and activate their participation in public affairs
Parties are the main means by which the will of the people is made known to the government
The U.S. has a two-party system (Democrats and Republicans); however, third parties sometimes play a role in elections
Multiparty systems provide more choice but less stability
One-party system = “NO-party system”

3. Section 2: Two-Party System in American History
Facts:
The first two political parties: the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists – emerged from the battle over ratification of the Constitution
Thomas Jefferson’s Anti-Federalists became the Democratic Party in 1828
The Republican Party formed in 1854 from antislavery Democrats and former Whigs
One party has dominated American government in three eras: Era pf Democrats; Era of Republicans; Era of Democrats
1968-Today Era of Divided: One major party holds the presidency while the other holds the majority of seats in one or both houses of Congress

4. Section 3: The Minor Parties
Facts:
There are four types of minor parties: ideological, single-issue, economic protest, and splinter
Even though minor parties do not win most elections, they play an important role as critics and innovators
Minor parties affect election outcomes mainly by taking votes away from the major parties
Minor parties represent views and calls for change that are not embraced by the major parties and that might be overlooked

5. Section 4: Party Organization
Facts:
Federalism and the nominating process contribute to a decentralized party structure
Neither major party has a strong chain of command from the national to local level
Nationally, each major party has these basic elements: convention, committee, chairperson, and two congressional campaign committees
A central committee, headed by a chairperson, typically leads State party organizations