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Unit V Part I. Political Parties. What is a political party?. Organization of individuals who come together to win elections and influence government policy. One Party System. Definition - The party and the government are one and the same. One Party System.
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Unit V Part I Political Parties
What is a political party? • Organization of individuals who come together to win elections and influence government policy
One Party System • Definition - The party and the government are one and the same
One Party System • Advantages – the government gets its agenda accomplished
One Party System • Disadvantages – the people have no choice and are at mercy of the party
Two Party System • Definition – When two parties dominate the political process
Two Party System • Advantages – one party guaranteed a majority
Two Party System • Disadvantages – groups with minority feelings are generally left out
Multi-Party System • Definition – three or more parties compete for control of government
Multi-Party System • Advantages – minority views are represented
Multi-Party System • Disadvantages: • Plurality (the most votes) determines the leader, not a majority • Coalitions: several parties must work together in order to function which can easily break down
What type of system does the US have? • Two-Party System
George Washington’s Farewell Address • to put, in the place of the delegated will of the nation the will of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community; ….. the above description may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.
History of Political Parties • Considering the excerpt above from George Washington’s farewell address how did he feel about political parties in the US?
What were the first two parties in the US? • Federalists • Democratic-Republican
Where did each party want most political power to be? • Federalists wanted a strong national government • Democratic-Republicans wanted more power with states
What issue prompted the establishment of the Republican Party? • Formed to oppose slavery
What are the two dominate parties in American politics today? • Democrats • Republicans
What is a political parties platform? • Statement of a parties beliefs and positions on election issues
What is a plank? • Each individual part of a platform
Identify the major differences between the Republicans and Democrats: • Democrats: • National Gov. should regulate economy • Provide housing, income, education, and jobs for poor • Protect the environment through regulation
Republicans • Less government regulation of economy so businesses can grow • Growing economy means poor can get jobs and improve lives • Less environmental regulation because it hurts economy • Strong military
What is a third party in American politics? • Smaller, minor parties that rarely win seats in office • Have never won Presidency
How are third parties formed? • Single-Issue Parties – form to promote a particular issue (ie – The Prohibitionist Party) • Ideological Parties – support a particular philosophy (i.e. – The Communist Party USA) • Independent Candidate Parties – formed around a strong leader (i.e. the Reform Party)
What obstacles make it difficult for third parties to win major elections? • Must get petitions signed by voters to get on ballot • Difficult to raise large amounts of money
How have third parties influenced American politics? • Influencing Policy: • The Populist Party of the 1890’s promoted an 8 hour workday and direct election of Senators
How have third parties influenced American politics? Spoiler Role: • Ralph Nader ran in the 2000 election against George Bush and Al Gore under the Green Party which was close in philosophy to the Democrats meaning those who voted for Nader would probably have voted for Gore if he had not run. This may have spoiled the election for Gore
LOCAL CHAIRPERSON PRECINT CAPTIAN AND WORKERS NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE (HOR) NATIONAL CONVENTION NATIONAL COMMITTEE SENATORIAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE STATE CHAIRPERSON STATE COMMITTEE CITY, COUNTY, TOWN COMMITTEE
WHO MAKES UP A PARTIES NATIONAL COMMITTEE? • REPRESENTATIVES OF EVERY STATE
What are the two most important tasks that are completed at the National Convention? • Nominate candidates for President and VP • Write the Party’s Platform
Identify each of the following • Precinct – a geographic area that contains a number of voters • Ward – geographically connected precincts
What is a political machine? • A local party organization so powerful it can guarantee candidates election
How does one join a political party? • Identify your party choice when you register to vote
What are the roles of a political party? • NOMINATE CANDIDATES • Primary elections: most popular method of choosing candidates
DIRECT PRIMARY • Allowing the voters to choose candidates • Close Primary – only registered party members can vote • Open Primary – voters do not need to be party members to vote • Caucus – meeting of party delegates to choose
CAMPAIGNING FOR CANDIDATES • Raise money for candidate • Inform voters about candidates views
INFORMING CITIZENS • Informs voters about public issues and how government works
CARRY THE PEOPLE’S MESSAGE • Listen to the concerns of the people • Grassroots Movement – a political movement that begins with the people.
OPERATING THE GOVERNMENT • Party issues are supported by elected officials • Leaders choose loyal party members for important positions
LINK DIFFERENT LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT • National, state and local party members cooperate together to run the country
WATCHDOG ROLE • Each party watches the actions of the other and informs the public about corruption
Political Philosophies • "A definition I once heard involved a tree with a rotten limb. The conservative wants to wait and see if the tree will heal itself. The liberal wants to saw off the limb. The radical wants to chop down the tree and plant a new one."
Conservatives Generally are people who • Oppose government interference in economy • Oppose change • Believe in individual responsibility
Liberal • Generally are people who: believe government • can bring about positive change • Government should protect freedoms • should help those who cannot help themselves
Moderates • Generally are people who • Generally oppose radical views and opinions