Come on Barbie Let’s go Party!

1. Come on BarbieLet’s go Party! The Two-Party System in American History

2. What role do political parties play in the democratic process? • Students will be able to define political party and explain their role in United States government. • Students will be able to identify the two major political parties and explain their history. • Students will be able to explain the significance of the two-party system in American politics. - Political Cartoon Analysis -

3. What is a political party?- Visual Dictionary- • A political party is a group of people who try to control the government by getting their candidates elected.

4. What is the function of a political party? • Nominate (select) candidates for office. • Creates a party platform - a statement of the promises and policies that the candidate will do if elected. • Educate the public, act as a bonding agent (rally the party faithful), and act as a watchdog over the party in power. • Political parties often have the same goals – but different ways of reaching them.

5. What can you learn about the two-party system from the political cartoon?

6. Democrats Considered liberal More government action to solve problems in society Republicans Considered conservative Less government control and more individual responsibility P is for Political Party

7. Title: ________________________________________________

8. The Two-Party System

9. Where do you stand?