1. Elections - Political Parties

2. What is a political party? A group of citizens who have similar ideas on issues and work together to put their ideas into government action. The two major political parties are the Democrats and the Republicans

3. Similarities of Political Parties Organize to win elections Influence public policies Reflect both liberal and conservative views Define themselves in a way to gain the support of the majority of people (political center)

4. Liberal…. Liberals believe in governmental action to achieve equal opportunity and equality for all, and that it is the duty of the State to alleviate social ills and to protect civil liberties and individual and human rights. Believe the role of the government should be to guarantee that no one is in need. Believe that people are basically good. Emphasize the need for the government to solve people’s problems.

5. Conservative…. Conservatives believe in personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, individual liberty, traditional American values and a strong national defense. Believe the role of government should be to provide people the freedom necessary to pursue their own goals. Emphasize empowerment of the individual to solve problems.

6. Differences Between Political Parties Democrats Higher taxes Health care for everyone More gov’t regulation of business Government should be more involved in solving the nation’s problems. Usually liberal views

7. Differences Between Political Parties Republicans Lower taxes Private health care Less gov’t regulation of business Government should let people solve problems Usually conservative views

8. Third Parties Don’t usually win elections. Introduce new ideas. Focus on a particular issue. Often revolve around a political personality. Examples: Tea Party, Reform Party, Green Party, Libertarian Party, etc.

9. SURVEY TIME!!!!! Read each statement on the survey page. The True/False column is for your personal political opinion. The L/C column is where you decide if each statement is more liberal or more conservative.

10. Liberal or Conservative? 1) C9) C17) L 2) C10) L18) C 3) C11) L19) L 4) C12) C20) C 5) C13) L21) L 6) L14) C22) L 7) L15) L23) L 8) C16) C24) L 25) C

11. That’s All Folks!!!!!