1. NOT THAT KIND OF PARTY… POLITICAL PARTIES! Party Time!

2. Role of Political Parties Political parties are composed of individuals who share similar ideas about government. Those within a party share similar views on:  The role of government  Foreign policy  Taxes  Military and defense  The economy  Healthcare  And many other topics… Note: sometimes people may share views of both parties on different issues

3. Role of Political Parties Parties choose, or nominate, people they want to elect to public office. These candidates campaign to get elected as a representative. A platform is a statement that puts forth the party's positions on issues. Any American citizen may join a political party regardless of age, but most members are eighteen or older.

4. Two Party System The United States has what is known as a two-party system. What does that mean? This is a form of party system where two major political parties, more or less equal in strength and influence, dominate in elections at all levels. Did you know: Political parties are never mentioned in the Constitution.

5. Throughout History Throughout the history of the United States, there have been two main political parties. Remember the Federalists and Anti-Federalists?? Today we have the Republican Party and the Democratic Party Freedom to create new parties exists, but the majority of voters believe their votes will only count when used to select a candidate from one of the two major parties.

6. Does that mean there are only two political parties? No, there are many political parties in the United States “Big 3” Third parties: Two Party System Libertarian Party Green Party Constitution Party Click each logo to view the respective party’s platform on their website.

7. Third Parties No 3 rd party candidate has ever won the presidency.  It is difficult for third parties candidates to raise enough money to compete with the major parties. When these smaller groups challenge the two major parties, they can change the outcome of elections. Their most important role is to influence policy (impact which rules and laws are passed) on one or more issues. Ideological parties want to change society in major ways.  An ideology is a body of ideas put forth by a person or group. The Socialist and Communist Parties want to nationalize major industries. The Green Party calls for companies to respect the environment.

8. Party Animals? Democrats use a donkey as the symbol for their party. The donkey was first used as a symbol of the Democratic Party by Andrew Jackson. He had often been called a donkey, as they are known for being strong willed. Republicans use an elephant as the symbol for their party. The elephant first came into use in the 1800’s when it was used in a political cartoon to represent the Republican Vote. To see the cartoon, click HERE.HERE

9. Democrat Republican usually feel that the federal government has a responsibility to help the poor through government intervention (ie welfare). Democrats are generally seen as liberal. hold the view that leaving the economy alone will allow for growth, giving people greater ability to help themselves. They believe in less regulation/government assistance. Republicans are viewed as being conservative. Compare the Parties

10. Political Parties Today What function do political parties serve today?  Provide a forum to discuss public policies and issues with like- minded individuals and try to influence government  Establish a networking system where people can nominate candidates for office, raise money for candidates, and set up campaigns  Serve as an entry point for people to become involved in government  Give people a choice of candidates  Serve as a connection between state and national government

11. How does Your County Register VOTERS? When people register to vote, they are asked to include their political party affiliation. Which party has more members in your county? What do you think? Click HERE to find out!HERE

12. Registering to Vote IN FLORIDA: Be a Citizen of the United States of America (a lawful permanent resident is not a U.S. citizen); Be a Florida resident; Be 18 years old (you may pre-register to vote if you are 16 years old, but you cannot vote until you are 18 years old). Not now be adjudicated mentally incapacitated with respect to voting in Florida or any other state without having the right to vote restored; Not have been convicted of a felony without your civil rights having been restored; and Provide your current and valid Florida driver’s license number or Florida identification card number

13. Where do you stand? Using issues identified in the link below, see which party you align with as you explore the major 2012 campaign discussions. USATODAY: Candidate Match Game

14. Political parties: international A one-party system cannot exist in a democracy. There is no choice of candidates in the elections. Opposition parties are usually banned. Communist China, Cuba, and North Korea operate under one-party systems. One- party systems may be based on other ideologies such as religion. Iran's Islamic Republican Party has established a Muslim state. This type of religion-based government is called a theocracy. Communist Party Congress, China

15. What do you think? What do you think about our two party system? Is it working? There are 19 political parties identified in Florida on the Division of Elections web site. http://election.dos.state.fl.us/candidate/parties.shtml If you could align with any political party, where would you stand? IF you could create your own political party how would it be different from the choices we currently have?