1. Political Parties

2. What is a Political Party?  An organization of people  Share the same ideas of government  Members committed to party goals  Get candidates elected to office  Get laws passed to aid party goals

3. Party Systems  Most countries have political parties  Party systems –One party –Two party –Multi-party

4. U.S. Party System  Two party system –Two major parties vie for office –Other minor parties exist –Major parties –Democratic party –Republican Party

5. Similarities of Major Parties in U.S.  All value personal rights, freedoms  Educational opportunities for all  Economic opportunities for all  Government duty- to protect nation  Preserve environment  Help citizens

6. Differences  Disagree on ways to meet goals  Example: –Democrats- government directly helps the poor –Republicans- government helps economy and poor get jobs

7. Benefits of Two Party System  Stabilizing –Keeps people near the center –Extreme ideas not supported by populace  Continuity –Government changes parties often –Transition is usually smooth

8. Disadvantages  Minority groups left out  Ex. Civil rights  Women's movement  Needed major party support

9. Multi-Party System  Three or more parties- Japan, Israel  Advantage- More voter choice  Disadvantage- Voters divided  No party gets majority votes  Must form coalition government  Coalition may not work- –50 governments in Italy since W.W.II

10. One Party System  Party and government are almost the same- China  One party’s members run for office  Head of government usually head of party  Party members recruit new party members  Party members given top government jobs