Political Party- An association of voters with common interests

2 Party System- A political system where 2 major political parties win almost all elections

Independents- People who do not belong to a political party

Moderates- People whose beliefs fall in the middle, between republicans and democrats

Platform- Expresses a party’s beliefs and position on issues

Grassroots- The local level of a political party

Vocabulary

What is a political party?

Warm up

EXPLAIN THE FUNCTIONS, ROLES AND GOALS THAT POLITICAL PARTIES PLAY IN OUR SOCIETY.

EQ

Development of Political Parties

A Political Party is an association of voters that promote political beliefs and nominate candidates.

Their goal is to help the party gain as many offices as possible.

What is a Political Party?

The United States is said to have to 2 Party system because the 2 major political parties dominate.◦ Candidate’s typically need

a majority vote to win an election

Some countries, like China, are ruled by a 1 Party system. By law, the only political party allowed to exist is the party in power.

Types of Political Parties

A Multi-Party system is when 3 or more parties compete for control of the government.◦ Parties only need a plurality vote to remain in power.

Independents are voters that are not affiliated with any party.

Third Parties believe that neither of the two major parties are meeting the needs of the people.

Third Parties are created to challenge the Republicans and Democrats. They have never won a presidential election but can affect the outcome of elections.

Because 3rd parties rarely win elections many groups form coalitions.◦ Banding together of different

groupsto achieve political success

Why do we have a 3rd Party?

What is the major difference between a Republican and Democrat?

Answer: How much government should be involved in the lives of Americans?

Today’s Political Parties

Conservatives Believe less government

involvement is better Govt’s main role is to

provide law and order Believe Govt’s job is to

provide citizens with the opportunity for success, not guarantee it

Want economy to grow so poor people can find jobs and help themselves

Republicans

Liberals Gov’t should be active

and “hands on” Advocate for Gov’t to

provide welfare, health needs, job assistance

Gov’t should provide housing, income, healthcare, eductation & jobs for its citizens

Democrats

Moderates are those whose beliefs fall in the middle, between liberals and conservatives.

Radicals are those within a political party that hold extreme views.◦ Ex: Those favoring gov’t

control of businesses or healthcare.

Moderates and Radicals

Read the platform that each party writes at its national convention.◦ Event held every 4 years

where delegates from each state nominate who will run for president

Platform expresses the party’s principles, beliefs, and positions on issues.

Plank: Each individual part of the platform.

Learning about the candidates

GRAPHIC ORGANIZER

Nominate Candidates: Select strong candidates

Campaigning: Raising $, help get ideas across, register voters◦ Important at “grassroots

level”- Local level of gov’t Inform Citizens:

Speeches, Billboards, Commercials

Manage Government: Hand out Gov’t jobs

Functions/Role of Political Parties

Link Levels of Gov’t: All levels of gov’t work together, especially if same political party. EX: Pres., Gov., & Mayor

Play watchdog role: Losers watch over winners and wait for them to screw up.

Political Machines: A strong party organization that keeps getting re-elected.

Tammany Hall and “Boss” Tweed

Become corrupt and unresponsive to the needs of the people

Machines often buy votes through patronage, or the promising of a position to individuals for support

Problems with Political Parties

EXPLAIN THE FUNCTIONS, ROLES, AND GOALS THAT POLITICAL PARTIES PLAY IN OUR SOCIETY.

REFLECTION

1. WHAT IS A POLITICAL PARTY?2. WHEN DID THE 2 PARTY SYSTEM ORIGINATE?

CHARACTERISTICS OF?3. ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES OF 2 PARTY SYSTEM?4. WHAT ARE SOME DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES BETWEEN

THE U.S. AND OTHER DEMOCRACIES?5. SUMMARIZE THE MAIN IDEAS BEHIND THE DEMOCRATIC AND

REPUBLICAN PARTIES.6. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MODERATES AND

RADICALS?7. WHAT IS A PARTY PLATFORM?8. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FUNCTIONS AND ROLES OF

POLITICAL PARTIES?9. WHAT ARE SOME PROBLEMS THAT POLITICAL PARTIES HAVE

EXPERIENCED?

REFLECTION/CLOSING

Why are competing political parties a necessary part of a democratic government?

They give voters a choice among candidates and ideas.

Closing question?