1. Political Parties (3.5.2)

2. Part Systems and Party Roles
Political Parties
Key connection between people and their government
Generally formed b/c: competing groups want their points of views to influence the government

3. Part Systems and Party Roles
Party Systems
Any person or group of people can start a political party
They will tend to share the same beliefs
Types of political parties
One-party Systems
Two-party Systems
Multiparty Systems

4. Party Systems One-Party System
Only one party exists or routinely controls the government
Characteristics:
Does not allow other parties to form
The party is the government
Differences occur within the party
Allow elections
Not competitive b/c only the party’s candidate appear on the ballot
Countries: Cuba/North Korea

5. Party Systems Two-Party System
Two major parties compete for control of the government
Characteristics:
Very rare, only in about 15 countries world wide
United States being one
Compete to win at every level of government
Local, state, national
Balance of powers change over time
Depends on what is happening in society
Example: Great Depression

6. Popular in European Countries
Party Systems
Multiparty Systems
Many parties exist and compete for control of the government
Characteristics:
Found in countries with strong parliament systems
Legislative branch is the most powerful
The Head of Government is one of the leaders of a major party
People only elect representatives to legislature
Government leaders are party leaders
Proportional Representation
Candidates elected in proportion to the popular vote they received
Parties get the same percentage of representatives as they have votes in the population
Ex.) If a party receives 10% of the votes – parliament has 500 seats – the party will get 50 seats
Popular in European Countries

7. 1. Recruiting and Labeling
Roles of Parties
Political parties exist b/c they fill at least four important functions
1. Recruiting and Labeling
2. Acting as Watchdogs
Parties simplify the process of selecting candidates
Each party stands for a different view-point and belief
Political parties help identify a candidate’s political views
The party that does not have control of congress or is not President serve as vocal critics
When they do something bad, they alert the people
They represent the opposing view

8. 3. Getting Out Information 4. Running the Government
Roles of Parties
3. Getting Out Information
4. Running the Government
Creation of campaigns
Candidates take a stand on issues
Criticizes the candidates and stands of the opposition parties
Citizens learn about societies pressing issues
Political parties play a key role in running the government
Creation of potential laws and policies
Party leaders make sure members support the party’s position

9. Influence of Parties In the United States
How do Republicans/Democrats really influence U.S. government and politics?
The Party and Voters
Party Organization
Voters can claim to be either Democrat or Republican
May change parties anytime they want
Claiming Independent:
Voting for President of one party, but choosing a senator from the other
Becoming a popular trend
Parties do have loyalist
Contribute money
Encourage other to vote
Attend party meetings
Grassroots organization
Work from the bottom up concept
National committee leaders listen to the local and state party organizations
This coordinate their efforts
Getting a presidential candidate elected

10. Influence of Parties In the United States
The Party and Government
Parties run and staff the government
Work is on the basis of party membership
Whoever holds the majority has power
Passing laws and policies
Must be careful not to mess up
Opposing party is waiting for a flaw

11. America’s Two-Party System
Three reasons why the Two-Party System has lasted
Historical Influence
American Beliefs and Values
Historical tradition
Progression of the political parties
Has always been a two-party system
The longer we have this system, harder to change
Broad ideological beliefs
Encourages two large political parties
Overlapping points of views
Parties goal is to win elections

12. America’s Two-Party System
Winner-Take-All System
Biggest reason
Need the majority vote to win everything
Second place gets nothing
This encourages parties to embrace voters
Without a big following, the party will not win

14. History of Political Parties

15. Political Parties (3.5.2) History of Political Parties
Formed because competing groups want their points of view to influence the government
First Party System (Two-Party System)
Federalist v. Democratic-Republicans ( )
Federalist: Strong central government and the economic interests of northern business men
Thomas Jefferson
Democratic-Republicans: State-rights and state banks. Popular in rural areas first in the south.
Alexander Hamilton

16. Political Parties (3.5.2) First Democratic Era (1828-1860)
Opposition of the time
Election of 1828
Andrew Jackson had the support of his new coalition
Westerners/Southerners/ Immigrants/Long-time citizens
Was at first a Democratic-Republican until he was President
Shortened the phrase to Democrats
Democrats Goals:
Broaden voting rights, political and economic opportunity for ordinary citizens
Eliminate privileges of the elite
Whig Party
Opposed the Democrats
Won few elections against the Democrats
Would take military heroes as their Presidential Candidates
William Henry Harrison
Zachary Taylor
Party split from within
Different view points between Northern industrialist and southern planters

17. Political Parties (3.5.2) Republican Era (1860-1932)
Slavery was the key issue at this time
Was an anti-slavery party
Abraham Lincoln was their candidate – won election
After the Civil War the Republicans controlled the government for 60 years
Many Southern states were against the Republicans once they rejoined the Union
Republicans would control the government for much of this time period
Great Depression ended its dominances

18. Political Parties (3.5.2) Second Democratic Era (1932-1968)
Franklin Roosevelt elected President
Designed the New Deal Coalition
Helped with labor, the working class, and minorities during the recovery of the depression
Elected to office four straight times
Democrats controlled state and local elections as well
Despite Ike’s 1952 and 1956 victories

19. Political Parties (3.5.2) Divided Government (1968-Present)
Where one party controls the Presidency and the other control Congress
New issues making people change parties
Civil Rights Act
Southern Democrats upset with pro-civil right policies
Many became Republicans
Vietnam War
Split-ticket: voting for candidates of more than one party in the same election