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Explore the concept of political parties, their roles in government, various party systems, and the benefits and disadvantages of different systems. Understand the similarities and differences between major parties in the U.S. and the advantages and drawbacks of a two-party system. Learn about multi-party and one-party systems, their implications, and their impact on governance.
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What is a Political Party? • An organization of people • Share the same ideas of government • Members committed to party goals • Get candidates elected to office • Get laws passed to aid party goals
Party Systems • Most countries have political parties • Party systems • One party • Two party • Multi-party
U.S. Party System • Two party system • Two major parties vie for office • Other minor parties exist • Major parties • Democratic party • Republican Party
Similarities of Major Parties in U.S. • All value personal rights, freedoms • Educational opportunities for all • Economic opportunities for all • Government duty- to protect nation • Preserve environment • Help citizens
Differences • Disagree on ways to meet goals • Example: • Democrats- government directly helps the poor • Republicans- government helps economy and poor get jobs
Benefits of Two Party System • Stabilizing • Keeps people near the center • Extreme ideas not supported by populace • Continuity • Government changes parties often • Transition is usually smooth
Disadvantages • Minority groups left out • Ex. Civil rights • Women's movement • Needed major party support
Multi-Party System • Three or more parties- Japan, Israel • Advantage- More voter choice • Disadvantage- Voters divided • No party gets majority votes • Must form coalition government • Coalition may not work- • 50 governments in Italy since W.W.II
One Party System • Party and government are almost the same- China • One party’s members run for office • Head of government usually head of party • Party members recruit new party members • Party members given top government jobs