1. Formation of Political Parties

3. Republican Party
1854 because of the debate about sectionalism and slavery Emerged as the party against the SPREAD of slavery (note: not against slavery)
Story of the Elephant

4. Republicans Today
Conservative
States’ rights, business interest

5. The Democratic Party forms
Andrew Jackson forms “Democratic” party in 1828
He wins the election of 1828
His oponents called him a jackass because of his stubborn ways and his beliefs like “Let the people rule”. Jackson found it funny and started using the donkey in his political campaign. The cartoonist Thomas Nast is credited for making the donkey the symbol of the party. It first appeared in 1870 and the public loved it. By 1880, it was the official symbol. Thomas Nast also drew the elephant for the republican party. He used it in a cartoon. A donkey who was clothed like a lion was scaring away all the animals at the zoo. An elephant was labeled as the republican party and it spread from there.
He won after a nasty campaign. He carried many of the ideals of limited federal gov’t except:
He vetoed more legislation than any president before him.
He opposed the National Bank (which Jefferson supported)
He defended the union against states’ rights supporters (nullification crisis)

6. Democrats today
Liberal
Support government programs, dominant federal power

7. What does this cartoon represent. What is the meaning
What does this cartoon represent? What is the meaning? Be prepared to discuss.

8. What are current party platform issues?

9. Two-Party System
2 major political parties
The majority of the elected are from one of the 2 parties
What are the benefits of a two party system?

10. Benefits Limits the choices Defined platforms
Individuals can align with a party they agree with
What are the negatives of a two party system?

11. Hold a different viewpoint Sometimes more extreme viewpoints
Independent Parties
Hold a different viewpoint
Sometimes more extreme viewpoints
Hard for them to be elected
Talk about pulling votes from the other two parties

12. Libertarian Party Ron Paul Campaign His platform
Ran for president 3 times

13. You do not have to write this down just read through it.

14. Tomorrow You will be participating in a Mock Political Convention
Bring your opinions