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American Politics

American Politics . Two-Party System. History…. There were no political parties when George Washington and the Framers started our first government. The Constitution does not say anything about political parties.

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American Politics

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  1. American Politics Two-Party System

  2. History… • There were no political parties when George Washington and the Framers started our first government. • The Constitution does not say anything about political parties. • George Washington warned against the “baneful(very harmful) effects of the spirit of the party.”

  3. Party Politics • Sec. of State Thomas Jefferson wanted to limit the power of the government and give more power to the states because they were closer to the people. • Sec. of Treasury Alexander Hamilton believed individual rights were at risk if the government was too weak. • He believed in a strong national government.

  4. First Political Party System • Those who favored Thomas Jefferson were Democratic-Republicans. • Those who favored Hamilton were Federalists.

  5. Second Political System • The Federalists fell out of favor. • The Democratic-Republican party split which then formed the Democratic Party, which supported presidential nominee Andrew Jackson.

  6. Second Political System • The Whig Party formed in opposition to the Democratic Party. • The Republican Party did not form until the 1850’s when those who opposed slavery formed the Republican Party.

  7. Two-Party System Beliefs Democrats Republicans Conservative Symbol-Elephant Color-Red Less Government Involvement More military spending Each Person is responsible for themselves Famous President- Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Bush’s • Liberal • Symbol-Donkey • Color-Blue • More Government Involvement • Less military spending • It is the responsibility of the government to care for its people. • Famous President-Franklin D. Roosevelt, Bill Clinton, J.F.K.

  8. Role of Parties • Political Parties play a large role in the decisions made by the government.

  9. Role of Political Party • National Organization • Each party has a national committee that is in charge of raising funds for presidential election’s and the national convention. • National Convention-held every four years • Where party members nominate their candidates for president and vice president • Each party has their own platform-series of statements expressing their beliefs or positions. • Ex. Republican Platform • Each individual part of the platform is called a plate. • Ex. Economics

  10. Role of Political Party • 2. Nominating Political Candidates • Primary Elections • Closed Primary • Republicans can only vote for Republicans • Dems. For Dems. • Open Primary • You can vote for someone of either party

  11. Role of Political Parties • 3. Inform Citizens • Advertisements • Debates/Speeches • Platforms/Planks • Campaigning • 4. Operate the government • Candidates are elected into office and are to represent the people • 5. Act as a watchdog • Political party not in power will watch over the party in power to make sure they do not make any mistakes.

  12. Joining a political party • When you register to vote in OHyou have the option to join a political party. • Republican, Democrat, or Independent • Major Political Parties today • Republican Party-John Boehner • Democratic Party-Barack Obama • Green Party • Grass-roots democracy, eco-friendly • Libertarian Party • Individual has sole responsibility for their own life- no gov. intervention • Constitution Party • Government limited to Constitution

  13. Third Parties • Single-issue • Ex. Prohibitionist Party-wanted to stop the sale of alcohol • Ideological • Ex. Libertarian Party-Maximum Freedom, Minimum Gov. • Independent Candidates • Ex. Wealthy business owner H. Ross Perot challenged Democrats and Republicans in the 1992 election.

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