1. Political Parties

2. Intro to Political Parties Definition: group of people w/ common interests who organize to win elections, control gov’t and and influence gov’t policies Party Systems o Single = One Party (i.e. Nazi Germany). o Multiparty = Many parties compete (most common i.e. Italy, Israel, etc). o Two Party = Two parties compete w/ minor parties (i.e. U.S.)

3. History of Parties in US No mention of in our Constitution Founding fathers warned about dangers of political parties Has always been a part of American politics o 1st parties = Federalists & Democratic-Republicans  disagreed over size of fed. govt. o Democrats -1828 - Jackson first president o Republican party - born in 1850s as an anti-slavery party Lincoln first president Symbols: Donkey = Democrat, Elephant = Republican; both became popular due to Thomas Nast

4. Third or Minor Parties Third party is any party other than the two major parties Types o Single issue Party (ex: free soil party) o Ideological Party (ex: communist party) o Splinter Party (ex:Tea Party splinter group of Rep Party today) Impact o draw votes away from major candidates ( 2000 Nader and Gore) o promote new ideas Obstacles o getting on ballot o financing ($)

5. Federal official vote for the state of Florida Presidential Election 2000 In nearly 6 million votes cast in Florida; DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BUSH AND GORE = 537 CandidateParty#Votes George W. BushRepublican2,912,790 Al GoreDemocrat2,912,253 Ralph NaderGreen97,421 Pat BuchananReform17,484 Harry BrowneLibertarian16,415 John HagelinNatural Law/Reform2,810 Howard PhillipsConstitution1,378

6. Benefits of the Two Party System Makes voting easier (vote for party candidates) The loyal opposition acts like a watch dog Reduction of conflict o Moderate policies to attract lots of people o Transfer of power happens peacefully

7. A person who is extremely displeased with existing conditions and supports a return to earlier ways ex. Amish, KKK A person who values traditions, believes in existing political institutions, & favors limited government involvement in the economy/ social programs ex. Republican A person who has beliefs from each side of the spectrum ex. some Democrats & some Republicans A person who favors gradual changes through the current system and wants government support of social programs ex. Green Party & Democrats A person who believes in swift and major changes in existing institutions towards something never seen before ex. Communists ReactionaryConservativeModerateLiberalRadical The Political Spectrum