Objective 4.01: Political Parties

Political Party• Purpose - win elections.• Political party – group of people with

common interests• Anyone can join a political party. You

simply declare yourself a member.

Political Party Functions

• Nominating candidates to office• Get them ELECTED!!!!!!!

• Inform party supporters • Govern• Responsible for candidate performance• Act as watchdog

One-Party System• A one-party system or single-party

system is a type of party system government in which a single political party forms the government and no other parties are permitted to run candidates for election.

• In most cases, single-party states have arisen from fascist, socialist, or communist ideologies.

Communist Party of China

China would be

an example of a one-

party system.

Two Party System

• Two parties hold the vast majority of political offices

• The type of party system the U.S. has!!!!!!

Multi-party system

• Political parties exist in most countries, but a two-party system is rare.

• Most democracies have multi-party systems where there are more than 2 political parties.

• Allows for minority viewpoints to be heard.

Examples of Party Systems

1. In Jamaica, power alternates between the People’s National Party and the Jamaican Labour Party.

• Two-Party System2. In North Korea, all government officials belong to

the same political party-the Korean Workers Party.• One-Party System

3. In Germany, the Social Democratic Party, the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union, Alliance 90Greens, Free Democratic Party and the Left Party all gained seats in Bundestag-the German version of Congress.

• Multi-Party System

Two Party System• Democrats

• AKA: Liberals

• Republicans

• AKA: Conservatives

• Personal responsibility• Limited government• Free markets• Individual liberty• Traditional American values• Strong national defense• Role of government – provide

people with the freedom necessary to pursue their own goals.

• Emphasize empowerment of the individual to solve problems

• Governmental action to achieve equal opportunity for all

• It is the duty of the State to alleviate social ills and protect civil liberties and individual and human rights

• It is the role of the government 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

Democratic Party• It is the oldest political party in the

United States and arguably the oldest party in the world.

• It is the majority party in the Senate.• The Democratic Party is the more

liberal party.• Normally pass higher tax policy in

order to have more social programs.

Republican Party• It is often referred to as the Grand Old

Party or the GOP. • Founded in 1854 by anti-slavery

expansion activists and modernizers. Abe Lincoln was the 1st Republican president elected.

• Today, the Republican Party supports a pro-business platform. It stands for lower taxes and more individual economic independence. It is considered to be the more conservative party.

Political Beliefs• Liberals - Peaceful gradual change, such as

promote social welfare• Moderate - Share views with both the

liberals and conservatives.

• Conservative - Keep things the way they are; Cautious about change; Favor less government

• Radical - Want quick change in government and will use violence (ex. Black Panthers)

• Reactionary - Want things to go back to “the way they were” and are willing to use violence (ex. KKK)

Political Spectrum

Radicalex. Black Panthers

Moderate*Where most Americans fall Reactionary

ex. KKK

LiberalConservative

Dem

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Political Platform• Platform - A list of the principles or

beliefs supported by a person or party• Equal protection of everyone

• Plank – each individual belief in a platform• Illegal immigrants earn citizenship

Political Viewpoints

Issues Barack ObamaDemocrat

Mitt RomneyRepublican

Abortion is a woman’s right Strongly Favors Opposes

Same-sex domestic partnership benefits

Strongly Favors Opposes

Death penalty Opposes Strongly Favors

Mandatory Three Strikes sentencing laws

Opposes Strongly Favors

Absolute right to own a gun Strongly Opposes Favors

Expand the armed forces Favors (Democrats typically

DO NOT favor)

Favors

US out of Iraq Favors Strongly Opposes

Teacher-led prayer in school Opposes Opposes

Repeal tax cuts on wealthy Strongly Favors Opposes