1. Lesson Starter

2. What will I learn? To explain the role of ideology in US politics
To identify where the two main political parties draw their support from 2

3. Success Criteria Explain the role of ideology in US politics
Identify where the two main political parties draw their support from

4. US Political parties and their support
There are two main political parties in the USA – the Democrats and the Republicans.
Both parties contains a range of people from across society.
In US elections, candidates seek to build political support across different regions and groups. In America, a candidate’s views on particular issues such as taxes, gun control or welfare are often more important than which party they represent.

5. The Democrats Democratic Party Support
In recent years, Democrat support has been strongest from the following groups:
The Poor – Those dependent on welfare or Govt. health provision (Medicaid) as Democrats more sympathetic to less well off. Many poor people live in urban areas.
Minorities – Blacks and Hispanics as the Democrats are more supportive of government programmes to support minorities. Democrats are seen as less strict on immigration.
‘Liberals’ – Those in the NE and West of the USA who are more supportive of government intervention in the economy, and of gay rights, abortion and tighter gun control.

6. The Republicans Republican Party Support
Republican Party support is strongest amongst:
Wealthy people – The Republicans favour low taxes and limited government intervention in the economy. Many wealthy Americans live in suburban areas or in more rural States of the Mid West (Iowa) or the South (Alabama).
Whites – Although Obama won in 2008, most Whites (55%) voted for Republican McCain.
‘Conservatives’ – Republicans are more likely to be conservative on social policy i.e. anti-abortion & anti-gay, pro-gun and pro-death penalty. Note: The ‘religious right’ and the ‘bible belt’ States have grown in importance in US politics in recent years.

7. US Political parties and their support – The 2008 Elections
In 2008, the USA returned a Democrat President and Congress. In the Presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama beat Republican John McCain. In Congress, the Democrats became the main party with 56 of 100 Senators and 256 of the 435 Congressmen.
So who supported the Democrats in 2008?
65% of first time voters – Obama younger than McCain.
95% of Blacks and 70% of Hispanics; McCain had a small majority amongst Whites.
56% women and 52% men. Obama more ‘female-friendly’.
The 62% of voters who felt Obama and the Democrats were better able to handle the economic crisis.

8. US Political parties and their support – The 2012 Elections
In 2012, Democratic President Obama won a second term as President, beating Mitt Romney. However, he faced a majority REPUBLICAN House of Representatives, with more Republicans than Democrats. This has caused major problems for Obama and Biden.
House of Representatives: 233 Republicans, 205 Democrats.
Senate: 53 Democrats, 45 Republicans and 2 “Independents”.
In the 2014 mid-term elections, the Republicans also won control of the Senate, presenting even more problems for Obama in the remainder of his Presidency.

9. US Political parties and their support – Celebrities
Tom Hanks, Gwyneth Paltrow, Barbra Streisand and Ben Affleck are Democrat supporters. Jon Voight, Chuck Norris and Robert Duvall are Republican supporters.

10. US Political parties and their support
Questions
1. Which groups of Americans are most likely to support:
a) The Democrat Party b) the Republican Party?
2. “Younger voters, minority voters, women voters and those concerned with the economy were more likely to vote for Obama in 2009.” Martyn Evans
Provide information to support the view or Martyn Evans.

11. Video Clips…
– Republican and Democrat Parties explained in basic terms
– Critique of the Two Party System…”Divide and Conquer”

12. I can… Explain the role of ideology in US politics
Identify where the two main political parties draw their support from