1. Journal Question #1
Which political party do you think you identify with? Why?

2. Political Parties
Chapter 5

3. The Political Party Political Party:
A “group of persons who seek to control government through winning elections and holding public office

4. Role of Political Parities
1. nominate candidates
2. inform the people and inspire their interests and participation in public affairs
*take stands on issues
3. serve as a bonding agent
4. serve as a watchdog

5. Tasks of the Parties Parties Pick Candidates Parties Run Campaigns
Parties Give Cues to Voters
Parties carry out policies
Parties Coordinate Policymaking

6. The Meaning of Party Liberal(left) , Moderate, Conservative (right)
Figure 8.1

7. The Party in the Electorate
Party identification is a citizen’s self-proclaimed preference for one party or the other.
Ticket-splitting

8. The Party in the Electorate

9. Party Eras in American History
Historical periods in which a majority of votes cling to the party in power.
Critical Election
An electoral “earthquake” where new issues and new coalitions emerge.
Party Realignment
The displacement of the majority party by the minority party, usually during a critical election.

10. Party Eras in American History
Party Coalitions Today (Figure 8.2)

11. Party Eras in American History
1968-Present: The Era of Divided Party Government
Party de-alignment - disengagement of people from parties
Party neutrality - people are indifferent towards the two parties

12. Party Eras in American History
Partisan Control of State Governments: 2005 (Figure 8.3)

13. The Minor Parties

14. Third Parties: Their Impact on American Politics
Political parties other than Democrat or Republican
Rarely win elections
Third parties bring new groups and ideas into politics
Two-party system discourages extreme views

15. Types of Minor Parties Ideological Parties 2. Single Issue Parties
3. Economic Protest Parties
4. Splinter Parties

16. Why are Minor Parties Important??
Can play the “spoiler” role in campaigns
Are critics and innovators
Draw attention to controversial issues which majority parties than focus on

17. Party Organization
The National Convention * meets in the summer of every
Presidential election to nominate the
Presidential candidate
The National Committee
* meet between conventions
* have representatives from each state
* headed by National Chairperson

18. Parties in America Period of decline since the 1960’s
Most Americans dislike political parties
Believe they should be closely watched and controlled

19. Understanding Political Parties
Is the Party Over?
Political parties are no longer the chief source of information for voters
State and national party organizations are getting stronger
Majority of people still identify with a party, but still split their tickets

20. Creating your own political party
Decide on a name for your party
What issues will your party focus on
Who will be your party’s candidate for President and Vice President
What will be the symbol of your party
What is your parties motto

21. Green Party President VP Issue:
To get people to recycle and take better care of our planet
Symbol:
“Its not always easy being green”

22. Types of Minor Parties 1. Ideological Parties
* Based on particular set of beliefs
2. Single Issue Parties
* focus on one public policy issue
3. Economic Protest Parties
* state their disgust w/ the major party and demand
better times
4. Splinter Parties
* parties that have spilt from one of the major
parties