1. Unit 3 Topic 1: Political Parties Topic 2: Presidential Elections Topic 3: Interest Groups Topic 4: Public Opinion & Media

2. Topic 1: Political Parties I. Two Party System A. Foundation 1. Thomas Jefferson -Democratic Republican -Democrats 2. Alexander Hamilton -Federalist -Republicans B. Third Parties 1. Populists, Progressives 2. Power issues

3. II.Political Ideologies A.Definition 1.Examples: B. Spectrum 1. Liberalism------------------Conservatism 2. Democrats------------------Republicans 3. Basic fundamental differences of opinion -Political freedom -Social freedom -Economic freedom C. Uses 1. Party Identification -Home/Social 2. Straight ticket voting

4. III. Major U.S. Parties A. Democrats 1. Platform -Bigger Government, More role in lives -Regulating economy -Provide for the less fortunate -Social Freedom B. Republicans 1.Platform -Less gov’t regulation -Less Government, Less role -Political Freedom, Economic Freedom C. Independents 1. Platform -Depends, Moderate, Middle of Road

5. IV. National Party Organization A. National Committee 1. National Party Chairperson B. National Convention 1. Every four years 2. Write Platform with Planks 3. Nominate Party Presidential Candidate V. State/Local Organization A. State committees 1. 50 total B. Local Committees 1. Precincts 2. Wards VI. Political Machines A. Tammany Hall

6. VII. Role of Political Parties Today A.Nominating Candidates 1.Direct Primary -Closed & Open Primaries 2.Runoff Primary 3.Petition for Third Party Candidates B.Other Party Roles 1.Campaigning For Candidates 2.Informing Citizens 3.Manage Gov’t 4.Watchdog

7. Topic 2: Elections I.Voting A. Qualifications 1. Old School 2. Contemporary B. How to Vote 1. Register 2. Polling Place; Precinct 3. Cast Ballot 4. Ballot Differences 5. Absentee Voting C. Importance 1. Constituents 2. Representation 3. Apathy

8. II. Election Process A. Types 1. Primary Elections 2. General Elections 3. Special/Issue Elections B. Presidential Election 1. Nomination 2. Campaign 3. Election; ELECTORAL VOTES C. Campaigns 1. Support -Canvassing -Endorsements -Advertising 2. Funding -Public -Private (soft $, PACs) -Reform

9. 3. Campaign Tactics -Glittering Generalization -Bandwagon -Personal Attacks/Negativity -Endorsements -Just Plain Folks

10. Topic 3: Interest Groups I. Interest Groups A. Types 1. Economic 2. Public 3. Examples B. How they Influence 1. Activities 2. Court Action 3. Lobbying C. Regulation/Abuse 1. Bribes, “Gifts D. Citizen Participation

11. Topic 4: Public Opinion I.Public Opinion A. Purpose B. Source 1. Personal Background 2. Mass Media 4. Public Officials 5. Interest Groups SINGLE ISSUE C. Components 1. Direction 2. Stability 3. Intensity D. Measures 1. Public Opinion Poll 2. Random Samples

12. II. Mass Media A. Types 1. Print 2. Electronic B. Impact 1. Public Agenda 2. Candidates/Public Officials 3. Elected Officials 4. Watchdog Role 5. National Security C. Censorship 1. Prior Restraint 2. Libel, Slander