1. Political Parties in the U.S.
How are politics structured in the U.S.?
How do politics operate in our government?
Does the structure and practices help citizens control our government?
Day #4

2. Represent conservatives that want to preserve traditional America
Two Party System
__________
Party
___________
Represent liberals that want to reform America to help provide for modern needs
Represent conservatives that want to preserve traditional America

3. Why do we have a two-party structure?
History – article on “Development of Two-Party System”
1.) How did the U.S. end up with just 2 main parties? Look at the opposing beliefs & historical events
2.) What were the 2 parties & founders?
3.) What was George Washington’s advice on political parties?
The Math of Election Processes
Who Parties Represent
Money

4. Notes Page:
History:
Math:
Who’s Represented:
Money:

5. How do 2 political parties impact government operation?
Partisan – party’s beliefs and compromise, often without respect to the affect on the public
Bi-Partisan – parties; politicians for the best decision for society

6. Does the Two Party System Work?
YES NO
The majority get represented
Compromise happens during campaigns in order to earn votes – this can make negotiating later easier
Fighting when House & Senate controlled by opposite parties
Conflict between Legislative & Executive when controlled by opposite parties
Examples:
Government Shut Down

7. Reality v. Simulation
Simulation – we have 3 parties to include the middle of the spectrum
Reality – the middle is comprised of that focus on just one issue, so most people merge with one of the larger parties to be better represented