Political Parties

Political Ideology Quizzes…

Did you agree with your placement? In reality- which issues may someone

weigh more heavily when considering which political party to affiliate with?

Why do you think people join political parties? What are advantages/disadvantages to doing so?

In the Constitution…

Find the explanation of how political parties must form

Outline the steps it takes to form a party

Oops!

There is NO MENTION of political parties Founding Fathers were against them Georgie warned of competition in farewell

address

American Political Parties…What’s the Purpose?

1. bring people together to achieve control of the government

2. develop policies favorable to their interests or supportive groups

3. Organize & persuade voters to elect their candidates to office

4. represent their constituents (people in their district)

5. attempt to put philosophy into practice through legislation

Party Systems

one-party systemthe party captures control of the government and does not allow other parties to form; most one-party systems allow elections, but they are not competitive because only that party’s candidates appear on the ballot--China, Iran,N. Korea

two-party systemwhere two major political parties compete for control of the government;different parties might control local, state, and national government--US

multiparty systemmany parties compete for control over the legislative branch of government (thehead of the government is the leader of one of the major parties in the legislature);these systems usually arise in countries with a strong parliamentary system--Germany, Italy, France, Israel, Japan

Political Parties

Republican Conservative ideology ‘Small’ Government ‘Low’ taxes Platform 2016: Chris Christie?

Democrat Liberal ideology ‘Big’ Government ‘High’ Taxes Platform 2016: Hillary Clinton?

Era of the Democrats Era of the Republicans Era of the Democrats Era of Divided Govt 1800 - 1860 1860 - 1932 1932 - 1968 1968 - Today

Divided GovernmentSince 1968, neither Republicans nor Democrats have consistently held the presidency and the Congress is often controlled by the opposing party.

Four Eras of the Political Parties

Political Ideologies

LiberalismAn ideology favoring an active role for

government in efforts to solve society’s problems

Conservatism An ideology favoring a limited role for

government and more private initiative by non governmental groups in efforts to solve society’s problems

Party Association & Definition Changes Over Time…why might that be?

The Role of Minor PartiesA third party or minor party is any party other than the two major parties.Their common thread is that they believe that neither party is meeting certain needs. A third party runs a candidate to propose a remedy to thesituation and/or to draw attention to their specific issue(s) or ideology.

single-issue partyfocuses exclusively on one major economic, social, or moral issue ex: Prohibition Party, Women’s Suffrage Party, Right to Life Party

ideological partyfocuses on overall change in society rather than on one single issue ex: Communist Party, Socialist Party, Libertarian Party

splinter partysplits away from one of the two major parties because of some disagreement ex: Green Party

Do Americans want a third party?

Generally speaking…

…Republicans hold more conservative views, and Democrats more liberal views.

Why Third Parties Then?

People frustrated with the 2 party system form 3rd parties to express their opinions in constructive ways!!! (yay Democracy!!!)

sooooo…do they ever have an impact??

*Electoral vote = 1 vote per rep. & senator in each state to vote for President

2000– Bush 50,456,002 (271) Gore 50,999,897 (266) Nader 2,882, 955 (fec.gov)

Comparing Third & Major Parties

1. Read directions on handout

2. Research Republicans, Democrats, and a third party of your choice

3. Create “campaign poster” for third party to encourage membership