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Learn about political parties, their role in influencing government policies, the difference between one-party and multi-party systems, and the impact of minor parties in elections and politics. Explore the historical evolution of parties in American history, from the Federalist and Democratic-Republican eras to today's era of divided government. Gain insight into the complexities and challenges faced by minor parties in the political landscape.
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Political Parties Chapter 16 Section 1
Section 1 Parties and Party Systems • A political partyis a group of people with broad common interests who organize to win elections, control government, and influence government policies. • In a one-party system, the party is the government and party leaders set government. • A government run by religious officials is known as a theocracy.
Section 1 Parties and Party Systems (cont.) • In nations that allow more than one political party, the most common political system today is the multiparty system. • The parties in a multiparty system often represent widely differing ideologies, or basic beliefs about government. • A coalition governmentis a group of parties that combine forces to obtain a majority.
Section 1 Parties and Party Systems (cont.) • In two-party systems, two major parties compete for power, although minor parties exist.
Parties in American History • The First Party System 1796-1828 • The Federalist Party was the first political party in the United States. • Anti-Federalists (Democratic Republicans) soon took over. • The First Democratic Era 1828-1860 • Dominated by the Democratic Party • Opposed by the Whig Party • The Republican Era 1860-1932 • The Republican Party arose in the 1850’s to oppose slavery. • Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican president. • Republicans dominated until Herbert Hoover and the Great Depression.
Section 1 Parties in American History (cont.) • The Second Democratic Era 1932-1968 • Democrats begin domination with Franklin Roosevelt. • The Era of Divided Government 1968-Present • No single party dominates • People tend to vote a split ticket • Split ticket: a vote for candidates of more than one party in the same election
Section 1 The Role of Minor Parties • A third partyis any party other than one of the two major parties. • Third parties generally fall into three categories: • The single-issue party focuses exclusively on one major social, economic, or moral issue.
Section 1 The Role of Minor Parties (cont.) • The ideological party has a particular set of ideas about how to change society overall rather than focusing on a single issue. • The splinter party splits away from one of the major parties because of some disagreement.
Section 1 The Role of Minor Parties (cont.) • Third parties can influence the outcome of national elections by drawing votes from one party and often influence politics by promoting new ideas. • Difficulties for minor parties include: • They must obtain a large number of voter signatures in a short time to appear on a ballot.
Section 1 The Role of Minor Parties (cont.) • They often have problems with financing and appealing to a broad cross section of voters.
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