1. Political Parties
CHapter 8 Section 2

2. Organization
Each party has as National committee led by the national chairperson.
Choose party candidates for presidents
Sometime through a caucus – special closed meeting
Each Party has a State Committee as well.
At this level they elect governors, stat legislators etc.
Locally – divided into precincts (elections districts)
Political Machines – strong local organizations that has a big say in who wins the elections
How can political machines be harmful?

3. Selecting Party Candidates
Direct Primary – Voters choose candidates to represent their party
Closed primary – only party members can vote
Open primary – anyone can vote in or out of their party
Usually have to win by plurality (most votes) but some states require a majority

4. Functions of political parties
Support candidate
Communicate with citizens
Run thE government
Link different parts of government
Act as a watcHdog

5. Abortion Same-sex Marriage Death Penalty Energy & Oil Gun Control
Abortion
Pro-Choice
Pro-Life
Same-sex Marriage
No national federal same sex marriage ban.
Propose a Constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage.
Death Penalty
Do not support the death penalty.
Supports the death penalty.
Energy & Oil
Government should develop renewable energy.
Private sector, not the government should respond to energy needs.
Gun Control
Authorize assault weapons ban.
Support Second Amendment rights.
Health Care
Expand coverage and cut healthcare costs.
Universal healthcare is inefficient and too expensive to taxpayers.
Immigration
Have a path for aliens to become citizens.
Only legal immigrants can come through controlled borders.
Government
Big central government; government meets the needs of its citizens through agencies to help the disadvantaged.
Limited government; supports private/nonprofit organizations to help the disadvantaged. 
Spending
Supports spending on domestic social programs.
Supports spending on defense.