1. Intro to Political Parties

2. POLITICAL IDEOLOGY LIBERAL v CONSERVATIVE LIBERAL (LEFT) Liberals feel the government has a responsibility to solve social problems. Liberals think that the government must regulate business to protect society from harmful business practices. CONSERVATIVE (RIGHT) Conservatives feel that the government should be less active. Conservatives feel that government regulation tends to decrease productivity and harms the economy. There are various degrees of being liberal and conservative. Democrats tend to be mildly liberal, and Republicans are mildly conservative. Third parties offer a more radical move to right or left.

3. PARTY SYSTEMS One Party System – A system in which there is only one major political party. The party runs the government. (Example – Communism; China, North Korea, Cuba) Two Party System – A system in which two major political parties battle for control of the government. (Example – United States; Democrats & Republicans) Multi-Party System – A system in which three or more political parties impact elections, and battle for control of the government. (Example – France, Germany, England)

4. History of Political Parties Democratic-Republican Party – Thomas Jefferson – Wanted to limit the power of the federal government – more power to state government. Federalist Party – Alexander Hamilton – Wanted a strong national government to protect people ’ s rights, and solve problems created by a weak government under the Articles of Confederation.

5. ORGANIZATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES Political Party Organization Federal Level National committee in each state hold national convention. Delegates nominate candidates for President & VP State Level Each state has a committee or organization. Focus on state offices. (Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General) Local Level Precinct Organize volunteers Distribute Leaflets Register Voters