1. Starter  What are political parties?

2. Political Parties

3. Political Party  -An organization of individuals with broad, common interests who organize to win elections, to operate the government, and influence government policy.

4. Two-Party System  U.S. has a two-party system. The first two political parties developed over how gov’t should operate.  1800- Democratic Republican Party Federalist Party  1828- Democratic Party Whig Party  1854-Democratic Party Republican Party  Democrats: believe in more gov’t involvement to regulate the economy and provide housing, education, and jobs for the poor. Democrats tend to be more liberal in their beliefs.  Republicans: believe that to help the nation’s economy will provide to poor with a better chance of finding jobs. Republicans tend to be more conservative in their beliefs.

5. Two-Party Continued  Third Parties or minor parties are parties that have competed against the Democratics and Republicans for control of the government. No third party candidate has won a presidential election although some have won Senate or House of Representatives seats. Over time third party goals often become the goal of either the Democrats or Republicans.

6. Other Party Systems  Multi-party systems have 3 or more political parties competing for control of the gov’t. Often two parties will work together to gain a majority of the vote to win.  -One-Party Systems-only one political party exists so there is no competition or choice of candidates.

7. Roles of Political Parties  Nominating candidates (open & closed primaries, direct primaries)  Campaigning-raise money, inform public of their stand on issues  Informing citizens  Carrying the people’s message  Operate government-appoint high level jobs  Link different levels of government-national, state, local  Watchdog-make sure government works the way it should