1. Case issue, p. 467, Private Property (usual format)
Unit 2- Political Parties and the Judicial Branch Chapters to be covered Chapters 5, 18
Extra Credit Options
Case issue, p. 467, Private Property (usual format)
Go to and take a test to see which party you relate to more. Print out the last page and turn it in to me.

2. DWU 4
What is your opinion on abortion? Gay marriage? The death penalty?
Do democrats or republicans agree with you?

3. Lecture Ch. 5 Sec. 1& 2 (p. 99-107) Parties and What They Do

4. What is a party? Political Party
A group of persons with similar interests who seek to control the government
Major Parties
The two dominant political parties in the United States, the Democrats and Republicans

5. What Do Parties Do?
Nominating Function- Nominate candidates for political office
Informer-Stimulator Function- Inform the people about issues and stimulate their interest in voting
“Seal of Approval” Function- Ensures the good performance of its candidates and officeholders
Governmental Function- Conduct and run the government
Watchdog Function- Criticize the policies and behavior of the other party, especially the one in power

6. Types of party systems Multiparty system- Several major parties (Iraq)
Pro: Lots of choice
Con: Nothing gets done
One-party system- One party controls all, basically a no party system (China)
Pro: A lot can get done
Con: No choice (No democracy)
Two-party system- two major parties dominate politics (U.S.)
Pro: Some stuff can get done, some choice
Con: Not a lot of either!

7. Reasons for the Two-Party System
Historical Basis
Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
Force of Tradition
“We’ve always had it!”
Electoral System
The way we elect offices tends to favor having only 2 parties
American Ideological Consensus
Americans tend to think the same way

8. Membership of the Parties
Certain factors tend to influence your party membership:
Race
Religion
Gender
Age
Education
Class
Income

9. Think of the following in creating your political party:
What issues will your party members most care about?
What factors will influence your members?
Will you be more libertarian or authoritarian?
Will you be more liberal or conservative?