1. Political Parties Chapter 9 Section 3
Political Party is an organization that helps elect members to public office
Political parties are important to the American political system because they are the main way we choose, elect and monitor our representatives

3. Democrats (Liberals) – support government actions to
change social policy
political policy
economic policy
Usually thought to be unfair
taxation increase tax rates on wealthy
environment – move to clean energy
civil rights – Equal rights amendment

4. Republicans (Conservatives) –
support limited government
lower taxes
traditional social values
Lower taxes (especially capital gains from stocks or business)
Smaller government = more freedoms
Values tending to come from religious traditions

5. Moderates
In both parties with middle ground positions
May identify as Republican, Democrat, or Independent
Usually vote with party but will cross parties
Usually take moderate positions resulting in slower change
Are seen as voting bloc needed to win election

6. Role of the Political Party
1) Nomination process –
Choose candidates for office
Rules for nomination made by party
Candidates are chosen in primary elections
Platform (issue positions) are stated

7. Party electorate –
Educate electorate on party positions
Voter registration drives
Work for nominees

8. Influence on Government
Operating government
Do not have official standing in government
Influence laws
Influence appointments
Influence domestic and foreign policy

9. Informed Voters – Are you one?

10. The American Two- Party System
One-party system – Usually dictatorship
Two-party system – American system (thirds parties have limited effect)
Multiparty system – Parliamentary (rarely can one party govern without alliances with other parties)

11. American Political Parties
Federalist Party (John Adams & Abraham Lincoln)
Strong central government
Urban
Liberal
Became Republican Party (Rural & Conservative)
Democrat-Republican Party (anti-federalist)
agriculture
Conservative
Small Government
Became Democrat Party (Urban & Progressive)

13. Party Organization Based on Federalism
Local organized around voting precincts /wards
State supports local and national candidates
National raises funds for all levels

15. Political Parties and the Public Good
Benefits – keep out extremists views, try to include a broad base and have a “brand name” voters recognize
Criticisms – Lack of Unity, Discipline and Loyalty. Actions may benefit certain interests rather than public good.

16. The Electoral Process

17. Organizing and Financing Campaigns
Political Campaigns need
TV/media, staff, advisors, print material,
image consultants…………
Hard money given to campaign (Limited)
Soft money given to party (redistributed)

18. To become a candidate you must first announce your candidacy
Choosing Candidates
Self-announcement
To become a candidate you must first announce your candidacy
Local offices usually require petition of registered voters
Then you must organize a strong campaign to attract enough voters to win

19. Choosing Candidates
Caucuses – meetings held at precinct level to select candidates
Primary – Voting to select candidate at State or National level
Conventions – Formal nomination process
usually already decided by primary election
Establishes party platform
Direct primary – candidate chosen by primary vote
closed primary – only registered party members can vote
Open primary – Voter may vote in either primary

20. Voting and Voter Behavior
Requirements to vote U.S. Citizen, 18 years old, felony free
The main factors why people vote the way they do are
1) Party Identification
2) Issues - Usually single issue economy, abortion, environment
3) Candidates background
4) Voter’s background Parents, friends, social groups

21. General Election General election
first Tuesday following the first Monday in November of even-numbered years
Plurality – more votes than other candidates most states
Majority 50% requires run off between top two
Absentee ballot – voting when living out of state
College
military

22. Campaigns and the Public Good
Election Campaigns Pro
allowing citizens to express opinions
Inform voters about candidates and issues
Election Campaigns Con
Negative campaigning
Lack of depth
Too much dark money