1. What are they? Why do we have them?
Political Parties
What are they?
Why do we have them?

2. Political Parties: groups of people who share similar beliefs about how the government should be run.
Parties have more power than if a person acted alone
Organized at every level of government (from national to local)

3. 5 Roles of Political Parties
Nominate Candidates
- Select who will run for political office
- Announce intent to run
- Help win the election

4. 2. Educate Citizens/Voters
Present information on issues or beliefs through pamphlets, newspapers, radio, TV, speeches, conventions
All information is biased and should not be a citizen’s only source of information.

5. 3. Create Balance
Majority: Having the most people as supporters; can set the agenda
Minority: Having fewer supporters; must work hard to oppose the majority party.
Want to be the political party that has the most members elected to office.

6. 4. Influence on Policy Policy: Principles, rules, laws.
Members of Congress, from each party, work together to create and pass laws that support their party’s platform.
Platform: a set of simplified statements that explains a party’s beliefs

7. 5. Unite Government
Bring officials (on the local, state and national level) together to communicate about common goals.

8. How Many Parties Are There?
Countries can have none to many political parties. The number of political parties is described as the party system.

9. MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE UNITED STATES
DEMOCRATIC PARTY
REPUBLICAN PARTY
COLOR
BLUE
RED
SYMBOL
DONKEY
ELEPHANT
PHILOSOPHY ABOUT
THE GOVERNMENT
should be actively involved to improve the quality of life
help achieve larger goals of opportunity & equality
should have a limited role
it is believed that by relying on businesses & individuals there will be improved economic production
the larger goals of freedom & self reliance can be achieved

10. OVERALL- Basic Ideas Democrats:
Want be able to have more laws/regulations you are required to follow
Don’t believe in fighting. Talking/negotiation first. Last resort is fighting – and the United Nations gets involved
Equality overall. Wealthy contribute more to help out the poor. (dinner example)
Republicans:
Want to tell you less regulations you are required to follow -leave more up to private businesses – not controlled directly by government
Stronger military
Businesses grow to provide opportunities for jobs to help poor.

11. The Economy and Taxes Republicans :
Democrats :
Tax system in which the wealthy pay a larger share than the poor
trade agreements with other countries hurt American workers (make laws to protect American businesses)
balanced budget/willing to raise taxes if needed
Republicans :
Tax cuts for everyone helps economy
Believe in global trade/do not tend to protect US businesses from international competition
against raising taxes even if it means a budget deficit

12. National Defense and Security
Democrats
Tend to cut the military budget
Avoid American military intervention unless supported by the United Nations
Slow to go to war
Republicans
Strong military and are willing to pay for it with government money
Confronting American enemies with or without UN support
Using military intervention when American interests or security is threatened

13. Entitlements- Welfare, Medicaid, Social Security, Health Care
Democrats:
Universal safety net (health care, education, welfare, food stamps) for the poor and others.
Republicans :
Limit or reduce the safety net for the poor.
Private businesses and non-profit charities can provide the same services.

14. Crime and Punishment Democrats:
Rehabilitation programs over long prison sentences for convicted criminals
Against the death penalty
Focus on rights of the accused
Republicans:
Prison sentences as a deterrent to crime
For the death penalty
Stiffer penalties for convicted criminals

15. Environmental Protection
Republicans
Favor fewer restrictions on businesses in the hopes that wealthier companies will be able to be more environmental
Many do not believe global warming is a real threat
Democrats
Favor stricter regulations on businesses to protect the environment
Believe global warming is a real threat

16. Energy Policy Democrats
Focus on researching alternative energy sources for the future
Republicans
Focus on securing existing energy sources for the present and future

17. Values- Same Sex Marriage and Civil Rights Laws
Democrats:
Tend to support the right for same-sex couples to marry
Republicans:
Tend to oppose the right for same-sex couples to marry

18. Education Democrats: Republicans:
Oppose using tax money for school choice (vouchers and charters)
Republicans:
Favor using tax money for school choice (vouchers and charters)

19. Immigration Democrats Favor looser immigration laws
Some favor “Amnesty” for illegals already in the country
Republicans
Favor stricter immigration laws
Some favor punishment or deportation for illegals already in the country