1. Political Parties

2. What is a Political Party? A Political Party is a group of people who seek to control government through the winning of elections and the holding of public office. The two major parties in the United States are the Republican and Democratic parties.

3. What do Parties Do? Political parties primarily act as a link between the people and the government. Parties also bring conflicting groups together. In this way they are considered “power brokers”. Political parties marginalize extreme goups.

4. Functions of Political Parties Nominating Candidates Parties recruit and choose candidates to run for office. Informing and Activating Supporters. Parties also ensure the good performance of its candidates and officeholders. Governing Governing occurs through partisanship. Act as a watchdog The party that is out of power is always watching the party that is in power for foul play.

5. The Two-Party System The two-party system is where the two main political parties dominate politics. Single-member districts are the main reason for this trend. Only one candidate is elected to each office on the ballot. The winner is the one that receives a plurality The largest number of votes cast for the office. This system discourages minor parties.

6. The Minor Parties Four distinct types of minor parties exist. Ideological Parties Parties based on a particular set of beliefs. Single-Issue Parties Parties focused on one public-policy matter Economic Protest Parties Rooted in periods of economic discontent. Splinter Parties Parties that have split away from one of the major parties.

7. Political Ideology Survey