1. Journal #13 Name ( 1 pt) Date (1 pt) Copy questions (1 pt) Answer (7 points) “If you could change the way the United States is run, how would you change it?”

2. Many different ideas! Group together those that share yours…form a “party”…a political party. Group of people with broad common interests who organize WIN elections, control government, and INFLUENCE policy

3. Political Parties Unit 4: Political Parties & the Executive Branch

4. True or False? There are only 2 political parties in the United States. How many can you name? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_political_parties_in_the_United_States

5. Origins of political parties No political parties during Washington’s administration “baneful effects of the spirit of party” Happened anyway… Reading assignment Poster Presentations

6. Journal #14 Name (1 pt) Date (1 pt) Copy question (1pt) Answer (7 pts) What conclusions have you reached about American political parties?

7. Do we need political parties? Were they inevitable? Framework for Democracy: History of American Political Parties Questions 1 & 2

8. Functions of political parties: 1.Recruit & nominate candidates 2.Educating the public…most uninformed; simplify elections 3.Operating the government; organize & carry out work based on party affiliation 4.Dispensing patronage (favors); reward party loyalty 5.Watch dog ; the party OUT of power; offer alternatives

9. Our system: Why 2 parties? #1: Winner-take-all No reward for coming in 2 nd Parties aim to be large…smooth over differences among voters & candidates No incentive to form a party that cannot win!

10. Why 2 parties? #2: Single-member districts Legislature: 1 member from each district No benefit to finish 2 nd Candidates of minor parties are thus deterred by the near certainty of defeat.

11. Why 2 parties? #3: The Electoral College…Presidential elections 538 electors (270 to win); 435 (House of Rep), 100 (Sen), 3 D of C In all but 2 states (Nebraska & Maine), whoever wins the most POPULAR vote, wins ALL of the electoral votes Favors 2 parties…makes it hard for a small 3 rd party to compete

12. Advantages? Stable Easy for voters…simple…no research necessary! Appeal to voters…try to appear moderate

13. Disadvantages? Not a lot of choice Less democratic Partisanship? GRIDLOCK?

15. Are there really big differences between the parties? CORE strength comes from appealing to various interest groups Each party each tries to avoid alienating specific groups…only 2 major parties, how are you going to win an election? Sometimes AVOID definite stands on controversial issues Look for issues where public AGREES (economy, health care), DODGE issues where you might lose votes (marriage equality, abortion) Example…Social security benefits to Nazi’s

16. 2000 Presidential Election George W. Bush Republican Governor of Texas Running mate: Dick Cheney Al Gore Democrat Vice President Running mate: Joe Lieberman Electoral votes: 271 Popular votes: 50,456,002 Percentage: 47.9% Electoral votes: 266 Popular votes: 50,999,895 Percentage: 48.4%

17. 2000: 3 rd party candidate? Ralph Nader Green party Platform: campaign finance reform, voter fraud, universal healthcare, affordable housing, free college education, living wage, 2 party system 2,882,995 popular vote (2.74%) Did it make a difference?

18. Choice? Framework for Democracy: Third Parties in America Questions 3 & 4 Rage Against the Machine, Testify http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JSBhI_0at0

19. Reality? Contrary to what many people believe, Democrats and Republicans differ considerably in political ideology. One way to see ideological differences is to analyze party platforms. Framework for Democracy: Ideological Differences Between Major Parties The difference can also be seen in the way voters classify themselves on a liberal-conservative continuum.

29. 29 Party Ideology & Organization Framework for Democracy: Ideological differences between the parties Framework for Democracy: The Role of American Political Parties American party organization parallels our federal system, having separate national & state organizations The national organization is not hierarchical National Organization has little control over state party organizations.

30. Party membership Declare party preference when you register to vote Not required, may be an independent Both major parties are ‘open’; work hard to attract supporters NO requirements to belong; can volunteer to work for party, donate $ Most states, must be a party member to run or election

31. 31 State and Local Party Organization Precinct – several dozen party members to several thousand (cast votes at the same polling place); precinct captain organizes Ward – several precincts together (And, NO! its not what you think ) Selects person to represent ward at next level County – Committee selects Chair to handle county’s daily affairs; determines which candidate receives party’s support *State – Most powerful; reps from county organizations, chooses state Chair (usually follows what Governor or US Senator), elect state offices

32. 32 National Organizations At the national level, each major party has four main organizational components. A national convention: meets every 4 years, nominate President/V.P candidates A national committee: runs the party; National Party Chairperson manages daily operations (fundraising)

33. 33 Four principles of responsible party government: Parties should present clear & coherent programs to voters. Voters should BE INFORMED and choose candidates on the basis of party programs. The winning party should carry out its program once in office. Voters should hold the governing party responsible at the next election for executing its program.