1. Political Parties
POD / Economics

2. A Political Party is……
A political organization that people with similar interests or opinions use to work together to accomplish their goals

3. Role of Political Parties
Nominate / support candidates
Involve citizens
Provide leadership
Control the government

4. Types of Political Party Systems
One party system – one party dominates & controls all political life
Found in authoritarian (Communist) nations

5. Types of Party Systems (cont.)
Two party system – two parties dominate
Ex. Democrats & Republicans in USA

6. Types of Party Systems (cont.)
Multi-party system – three or more parties dominate
found in most European nations

7. Minor Political Parties…
Any party that is not Democrat or Republican
Also known as 3rd parties
Usually forms to support a specific idea
Can change the outcome of elections
Bring attention to new issues
Ex./ Independents, Green, Libertarian

8. The Big Two Democrats & Republicans are known as the Big Two
Party platform – the official views and goals of a political party
Plank – a single issue on a party platform

9. Democrats….. Symbol is a donkey Referred to as liberal or “left wing”
Party of the “common man”
Symbolized by blue states

10. Most Democrats Favor….. Government regulation of the economy
Organized labor
Higher taxes for high income earners (progressive taxes)
Redistribution of tax revenue to programs for the disadvantaged
School funding initiatives for public schools
“Large” federal government
Emphasize society

11. Republicans…. Symbol is an elephant
Referred to as conservative or “right wing”
“Grand Old Party” (GOP)
Symbolized by red states

12. Most Republicans Favor….
Less government intervention in the economy
Restricting organized labor
Lowering taxes for high income earners to encourage business investment and economic growth
Cut back welfare benefits to encourage recipients to find work
Parental choice for schools / vouchers

13. Republicans (cont.) Flat taxes “Small” federal government
Emphasizes the individual