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Political Parties in Our Democracy

Section Reading Support Transparency. Political Parties in Our Democracy. Section Outline. I. A Brief History. II. The Role of Third Parties. Section 2: Our Two-Party System. III. Characteristics of Today’s Parties. IV. Supporting a Party. V. Changes in a Party Strength. 1 of 10.

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Political Parties in Our Democracy

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  1. Section Reading Support Transparency Political Parties in Our Democracy Section Outline I. A Brief History II. The Role of Third Parties Section 2: Our Two-Party System III. Characteristics of Today’s Parties IV. Supporting a Party V. Changes in a Party Strength 1 of 10

  2. Political Parties in Our Democracy Main Idea Key Terms The Democratic and Republican parties each have their own particular views. However, a change in government does not result in big changes in policy since both parties are not far apart. • Precincts • Patronage • Straight ticket • Split ticket • Independent voter Section 2: Our Two-Party System 2 of 10

  3. A Brief History Political Parties in Our Democracy • Federalists vs. Democratic-Republican Party • The Federalists,who were led by Alexander Hamilton, favored a strong national government, and had the support of bankers and merchants. • The Democratic-Republicans, who were led by Thomas Jefferson, opposed strong national government, and had the support of farmers and frontier settlers. • The Democratic-Republicans became known as the Democratic Party in 1828. Section 2: Our Two-Party System 3 of 10

  4. A Brief History (continued) Political Parties in Our Democracy • The Whig Party • Organized in 1834, in opposition to the Democratic President Andrew Jackson • The Democrats and Republicans • Our current two-party system emerged in 1854, when the Republican Party was born. • The Republican Party was formed by groups opposed to slavery. It supported business interests and was a party of the North. Abraham Lincoln became the party’s first President. • A major shift in party power started in 1932, with the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt by the Democratic Party. Section 2: Our Two-Party System 4 of 10

  5. Political Parties in Our Democracy The Role of Third Parties • Most presidential elections are dominated by the two parties; but there are exceptions • Theodore Roosevelt (1912) • Strom Thurmond (1948) • George C. Wallace (1968) • Ross Perot (1992) • Ralph Nader (2000) Section 2: Our Two-Party System • Third Parties can often change the outcome of the elections by drawing votes away from one of the main parties. 5 of 10

  6. Characteristics of Today’s Parties Political Parties in Our Democracy Go Online: Political Parties in the United States • Democratic Party • The party generally believes that government should take responsibility for many social programs, such as to aid the poor. Democrats are more likely to support tax increases to pay for these programs. Section 2: Our Two-Party System • Republican Party • The party generally supports reducing the power of federal government, preferring that state and local governments, as well as non-governmental organizations, take on social programs. 6 of 10

  7. Political Parties in Our Democracy Characteristics of Today’s Parties (continued) • Political Parties are Similar • Despite different philosophies on government, the fact that government does not radically change when power switches from one party to the other is evidence of their similarities. Section 2: Our Two-Party System • Party Organization • Both have local, state, and national organizations • Precincts: voting districts 7 of 10

  8. Political Parties in Our Democracy Supporting a Party • Membership in a party is not like being a member of a club; there are no dues or mandatory meetings. • Mostly, supporting a party means registering with the party and voting. Section 2: Our Two-Party System • There are many optional ways to support a party, such as financial contributions or campaign work. 8 of 10

  9. Political Parties in Our Democracy Supporting a Party • Patronage • The system in which party leaders perform favors for loyal supporters of the party • For example, the President appoints loyal party members to cabinet positions. Section 2: Our Two-Party System • Parties in Campaigns • The role parties play in supporting candidates is changing. • Voter Loyalty • Straight Ticket: a ballot cast for all candidates of one party. • Split Ticket: the practice of voting for candidates for more than one party on the same ballot. 9 of 10

  10. Political Parties in Our Democracy: Section 2 Section Reading Support Transparency 10 of 10

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