1. The parties

2. 5 Functions of Political Parties Campaigning for Candidates – help politicians get elected to office. Informing Citizens – help citizens get information about issues, and how government operates. Help Manage Government – appoint loyal members to certain jobs. Linking Different Levels – provides a link between local, state, & federal government. Watchdog – alert public of wrongdoing.

3. DEMOCRATS & REPUBLICANS Democrats – Believe that the government must be active in solving social problems. This generally leads to bigger government and increased taxes. Republicans – Believe that problems will be solved by the government being less active, and letting people solve problems.

4. THIRD PARTIES Parties that do not have enough following to compete and win elections on the national level. Third Parties offer an alternative to major parties. They are important because if they gain support, the issues that are important to them will be recognized by the major parties. There is no legal barrier to a third party becoming a major political party.

5. ISSUES EconomyEducation Foreign Policy Civil RightsCrimeEnvironment Republican Supports free market competition. Deregulation and cutting entitlement spending. Promote school choice/school vouchers and home schooling. Spread Democracy. Stop nuclear armament. Peace through strength. Oppose affirmative action. Oppose gay marriage. Tough on criminals. Limit gun control restrictions. Believe the government puts too many restrictions on businesses that are not necessary. Democrat Increase taxes to wealthy to cut deficit. Must limit deficit to stimulate economy. Oppose vouchers. Lower class size, more teachers. Support worldwide coalitions and multi-national programs. Support UN. Support affirmative action. Support civil unions. Oppose same sex marriage amendment. Support rehabilitation over punishment. Support increased gun control. Environment over business. Increased regulation of business to protect the environment. Libertarian 100% free market. Oppose government regulation. Privatize public schools. Oppose federal government involvement. Military is used for protection only. Oppose government mandates. Support equality including marriage. Decriminalize drugs. Prison should be for violent offenders. Repeal drug laws. No government regulation. Green Party Community based economics. Support locally owned business, oppose corporations. State & Local control of education. Increase $ to support education & provide equal access. Nonviolence – military should be used as absolute last resort. Support equality based on race, gender, etc… Rehabilitation Crime is a result of lack of opportunity. #1 issue. Protection of the environment is absolutely vital to future generations.