UNIT THREE

1. Political Parties and Interest Groups UNIT THREE

2. Development of American Political Parties Two Party System • Political party- association of voters with common interest in the role of government • America considered to have two party system (Democrat and Republicans) • Constitution says nothing about political parties • Came into existence after Washington left office (dispute over strong vs. weak national government)

3. Development of American Political Parties • Democratic Party- came into existence 1828 under Andrew Jackson • Republican Party- 1854 formed to oppose slavery, Lincoln first Republican president (1860) • Third Parties- challenges main parties, rarely win major elections • Two most influential in late 1800’s and early 1900’s Progressives, Populist parties

4. Development of American Political Parties Third Parties • Single issue parties- promote social, economic, moral issues (not to win elections), fade away after issue is no longer important • Ideological parties- focus on major changes in society (Communist, Libertarian, Green Parties) • Independent Candidates- form around well known individuals • Third parties rarely win elections problems with raising money, getting on ballot

5. Development of American Political Parties • Two party system rare • Most other countries have multi-party system • One party rarely wins control of government, several parties often work together • One party system, party and government are the same thing (Communist China) • One party systems are not democratic

6. Development of American Political Parties • Political parties link between citizens and elected officials, help make elections meaningful • Democrats believe federal government should be more involved in regulating economy, education, etc. • Republicans favor less government regulation • Both try to appeal to as many voters as possible, avoid taking extreme positions • How do parties differ? • Platform- series of statements explaining positions, principle and beliefs on election issues • Plank- each individual part of platform

7. Organization of American Political Parties National Party Organization • National Conventions • Each party has national committee • Representatives from every state, raise funds for elections, organize party’s national convention • Leader of committee national party chairperson • Committees create television, radio, internet ads, manage candidates’ websites • Main job of national committee, national convention every 4 years • Delegates from all states nominate candidates for president and vice president, • Delegates chosen through caucuses • Delegate’s first job write the party’s platform, second job nominate party’s presidential candidate • Democrat and Republican parties have House and Senate committees made up of members of Congress; to help elect and reelect party members

8. Organization of American Political Parties State and Local Organization • Both parties, have 50 state committees • Job is to focus on electing party candidates to state offices • Local party organizations consist of city and county committees • Each city or county is divided into precincts (specific area where people vote) • Precinct Captains • Each precinct has a captain (organize party volunteers and encourage voters to vote) • Several neighboring precincts make up a ward (members represent the ward at the county committee)

9. Organization of American Political Parties • Political Machines • Local party organizations that have become so powerful they win elections year after year • Most famous late 1800’s in NYC Tammany Hall, most famous leader “Boss” Tweed • Helped immigrants when they first came to America with social services in return for votes • When political party is in power too long they become less responsive to citizens

10. Role of Political Parties Today Primary Elections • Political parties select and offer candidates for public office; done through nomination • Major parties nominate candidates through direct primaries (preliminary election determines who will represent the party in the main election) • Most states hold closed primary (only members of the party can vote) • A few states hold open primary (voters do not have to declare their party preference)

11. Role of Political Parties Today • Primary Elections • Closed primarykeeps people from crossing party lines promote the weaker candidate • Does not permit a truly secret ballot because voters declare party preference • Most states award party’s nomination to the candidate who receives a plurality, (most votes among those running); other states require that the winner must have a majority • No majority, state holds a runoff between the two top vote getters • Candidates not affiliated with a political party can get on the ballot by petition

12. Role of Political Parties Today Other Party Roles • Campaigning for Candidates • Raise money for campaigns, help candidates get across their ideas and views on public issues to voters • “Get out the vote” drives • Informing Citizens • Inform citizens through pamphlets, speeches, and ads

13. Role of Political Parties Today Other Party Roles • Help Manage Government • Parties help the elected official hand out jobs to supporters • Linking the Different Levels of Government • Parties help link local, state, and federal party officials • Act as a Watchdog • The party that loses watches the actions of the party that won so that they can use their mistakes against them in the next election