1. Political Parties Mr. Young American Government
Unit 4 Chapter 16, Section 1
Political Parties
Mr. Young
American Government

2. Essential Questions
Even though George Washington did not want political parties, why did they eventually become prevalent?
What is the importance of third parties in America today?

3. Political Parties Definition
A group of people who organize to promote common beliefs and goals by electing officials who share their views.
An ongoing coalition of interests joined together to try to get their candidates for public office elected under a common label
An organization designed to elect government office holders under a given label
An organization that runs candidates for public office under the party’s name.

4. Parties and Party Systems
Political Party- group of people with broad common interests who organize to win elections, control government, and thereby influence government policies

5. One-Party System The Party is the government
Political differences arise only within the party itself
Usually found in authoritarian governments, come to power by force

6. Cont. In an election, only one party is on the ballot
Theocracy- government dominated by religion, such as Iran

7. Multiparty Systems
Most common political system among democracies and nations allowing more than one party
Ideologies- basic beliefs about government

8. Cont One party rarely gets enough support to control the government
Will form a coalition government- when several parties combine forces to make the majority
Usually the nation is very politically unstable

9. Two-Party System
When only two major parties usually can control the government
Sometimes called “big tent theory,” many different approaches and polices fall under same umbrella
Examples: United States, Jamaica, and Malta

10. Quote by John Ellis (pg. 15)
“I mean that the (American) revolutionary generation found a way to contain the explosive energies of the debate in the form of an ongoing argument or dialogue that was eventually institutionalized and rendered safe by the creation of political parties.”

11. History of American Political Parties
George Washington- warned against the harmful effects of political parties
Even so, political parties began before but was rampant after his presidency

12. James Madison/ Thomas Jefferson
Madison likened parties to special interest groups
Jefferson disliked parties so much, he was quoted as saying, “if I could not go to heaven but with a party, I would not go there at all.

13. Pre-Party Era Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist
Federalist View
Anti-Federalist View
Favored the Constitution
Merchants and Cities
Strong national government
Bill of Rights not needed, 8 states already had one
Opposed the Constitution
Farmers and Laborers
Constitution drafted in secrecy
Extralegal (not sanctioned by law)
States Rights
Wanted a Bill of Rights
Pre-Party Era Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist

14. The Split and Start of Parties (1796-1800)
Federalist
Jeffersonian
Democratic-Republican
Alexander Hamilton
Manufacture and Commercial Interest
Northeastern/New England States
Strong National Government
Broad/ Loose Interpretation of the Constitution
Only Elite in politics
Thomas Jefferson and James Madison
Farmers and small debtors
Southern States
Weak Central Government, stronger state’s rights
Strict interpretation of the Constitution
Only Elite in politics

15. Federalist
Democratic-Republicans

16. Election of 1800
Jefferson defeats John Adams and Jeffersonians take over from
First peaceful transition from one party to another in American (maybe world) history
Beginning of end for Federalist Party, which eventually dissolved in 1820

17. Growth of American Politics
Anti-Federalist turn into Democratic party of today under Andrew Jackson in 1828
Republican Party started as an anti-slavery party and first president was Abraham Lincoln

18. Role of Minor Parties
Third Party- any party other than one of the two major parties
All have one thing in common: believe that neither party is meeting certain needs
Want to propose remedy to this situation

19. 1) Single-Issue Party
Focuses exclusively on one major social, economic, or moral, issue
Generally is short lived because issue fades away or major party adopts the issue

20. 2) Ideological Party
Focuses on overall change in society rather than on an issue
Examples: Socialist Labor Party and Communist Party

21. 3) Splinter Party
Splits away from one of the major parties because of some disagreement
Typically fade away with the defeat of their candidate

22. Impact of Third Parties
Have influenced the outcome of national elections
Have often promoted ideas that were at first unpopular or hotly debated
Example: minimum wage, five-day workweek, unemployment insurance, and health insurance

23. Obstacles of Third Parties
Third party candidates are usually required to obtain a large number of voter signatures in a short time
Single-member districts- no matter how number of candidates, only one person will win
Proportional representation- offices are filled in proportion to the votes that each party’s candidates receive

24. Cont One major problem is financing a campaign
Americans are reluctant to support or contribute to a campaign that they don’t think has a chance of winning
Third Parties must plant political roots at the national level, and few can

25. Texas Rangers Created by Stephen F. Austin in 1823
Used to protect the governor, track down fugitives
Jurisdiction is Austin (capital) of Texas

26. Texas Rangers Oldest state law enforcement agency in the US
Were involved in the Bonnie and Clyde case and John Wesley Hardin, who once killing a man for snoring
Causes of Death
Number of deaths
Accidental 1
Assault 23
Automobile accident
Duty related illness 7
Gunfire 65
Gunfire (Accidental) 2
Stabbed
Struck by train
Struck by vehicle