2. Functions of Political Parties Assist in the electoral process Assist in the electoral process –Help citizens with the voting process

4. Functions of Political Parties Assist in the electoral process Assist in the electoral process –Help citizens with the voting process –Provide a broad stance on major issues –Act as a watchdog over elected officials

5. Functions of Political Parties Assist in the electoral process Assist in the electoral process –Help citizens with the voting process –Provide a broad stance on major issues –Act as a watchdog over elected officials Organize the Government Organize the Government

7. Functions of Political Parties Assist in the electoral process Assist in the electoral process –Help citizens with the voting process –Provide a broad stance on major issues –Act as a watchdog over elected officials Organize the Government Organize the Government Nominate Candidates Nominate Candidates

9. Liberal vs. Conservative

10. LeftWingRight

11. LeftWingRightActive Role of Gov’t Minimal

12. Liberal vs. Conservative LeftWingRightActive Role of Gov’t Minimal State / Federal Education Local Control

13. Liberal vs. Conservative LeftWingRightActive Role of Gov’t Minimal State / Federal Education Local Control Strict Regulation EnvironmentMinimal

14. Liberal vs. Conservative LeftWingRightActive Role of Gov’t Minimal State / Federal Education Local Control Strict Regulation EnvironmentMinimal Less Spending Military More Spending

15. Liberal vs. Conservative LeftWingRightActive Role of Gov’t Minimal State / Federal Education Local Control Strict Regulation EnvironmentMinimal Less Spending Military More Spending Strict Regulation Gun Control Less Regulation

16. Liberal vs. Conservative LeftWingRightActive Role of Gov’t Minimal State / Federal Education Local Control Strict Regulation EnvironmentMinimal Less Spending Military More Spending Strict Regulation Gun Control Less Regulation Pro – Choice AbortionPro-Life

17. Liberal vs. Conservative LeftWingRightActive Role of Gov’t Minimal State / Federal Education Local Control Strict Regulation EnvironmentMinimal Less Spending Military More Spending Strict Regulation Gun Control Less Regulation Pro – Choice AbortionPro-Life Universal Health Care Individual

18. Liberal vs. Conservative LeftWingRightActive Role of Gov’t Minimal State / Federal Education Local Control Strict Regulation EnvironmentMinimal Less Spending Military More Spending Strict Regulation Gun Control Less Regulation Pro – Choice AbortionPro-Life Universal Health Care Individual High Taxes Taxes Low Taxes

19. Political Dictionary Electorate Electorate –The body of people entitled to vote Realignment Realignment –Shifting of the parties’ base of support among the electorate

20. One-Party System Single party controls the government Single party controls the government Typically a dictatorship Typically a dictatorship Use force or rules to stay in control Use force or rules to stay in control The ruling party may rule for many years at a time The ruling party may rule for many years at a time

22. Two-Party System Dominated by two major political parties Dominated by two major political parties Each party represents diverse interests and opinions Each party represents diverse interests and opinions Moderate candidates are typically elected Moderate candidates are typically elected Control of the government changes hands every few years Control of the government changes hands every few years

24. Benefits of the Two Party System Providing Information – parties bring order the political world, they present information in a convenient form. Providing Information – parties bring order the political world, they present information in a convenient form. Accommodating Varied Opinions – Parties try to consider varied interests of all of its supporters Accommodating Varied Opinions – Parties try to consider varied interests of all of its supporters

25. Benefits of the Two Party System Discouraging Sudden Shifts – Prevents hasty changes based on short term issues Discouraging Sudden Shifts – Prevents hasty changes based on short term issues Encouraging Political Participation – Increase voter involvement and education, express diverse views and opinions Encouraging Political Participation – Increase voter involvement and education, express diverse views and opinions

26. Multi-Party System Several parties try to control the government Several parties try to control the government Each party represents a specific region or issue Each party represents a specific region or issue Focus on narrow issues Focus on narrow issues Can lead to government instability Can lead to government instability

28. Political Dictionary Independent Independent –Candidate not associated with any party Third Party Third Party –Any political party besides the two dominate ones Splinter Party Splinter Party –Individuals form this party when they feel their concerns are not met Ideological Party Ideological Party –Group whose basic political views differ from those of the majority

29. Political Dictionary Party Machine – group of individuals who dominate a political party in an area Party Machine – group of individuals who dominate a political party in an area Patronage – awarding political favors in exchange for political support Patronage – awarding political favors in exchange for political support Straight Ticket – only vote for a single party Straight Ticket – only vote for a single party Split Ticket – vote for candidates of different parties Split Ticket – vote for candidates of different parties

30. Political Dictionary Primary Election – used for nominating a candidate Primary Election – used for nominating a candidate General Election – actually choosing their elected official General Election – actually choosing their elected official Precincts – voting district Precincts – voting district Ward – several precincts Ward – several precincts

31. Criticism of Political Parties Self Serving Office Seekers – people interested in personal gain rather than sincerely working on issues Self Serving Office Seekers – people interested in personal gain rather than sincerely working on issues Politicking – greater concern with winning the public relations race than with fixing the real issues Politicking – greater concern with winning the public relations race than with fixing the real issues

32. Criticisms of Political Parties Special Interest – Many people think political parties are influenced too much by special interest groups Special Interest – Many people think political parties are influenced too much by special interest groups –Provide money for campaigns

33. Answer this Question Explain with supporting evidence and examples the differences between a one- party, two-party and multiparty system. If you could chose one system to be a part of, which system would you choose and why?