The Evolution of Political Parties: From One-Party Systems to Third Parties

1. Chapter 16Political Parties

2. Section 16.1Development of Parties

3. Reflection Question Is there one political party that you identify with and why? Or if you don’t identify with one political party, why not?

4. Key Terms (pg. 453) Define – political party, theocracy, ideologies, coalition government, third party, proportional representation

5. Parties and Party Systems A political party is a group of people with broad common interests who organize to win elections, control government, and thereby influence government policies.

6. One-Party Systems Sometimes authoritarian governments will be run by one political party. No other parties are allowed and on election ballot only one party will be on the ballot. Historically countries such as Cuba, Vietnam, North Korea, and China have one-party systems.

7. Theocracy A country such as Iran is considered a theocracy. It is a govt. that is dominated by a specific religion. The Muslim clergy controls the Islamic Republican Party. Other parties are either outlawed or inactive.

8. Multiparty Systems • Many European countries have this system. • Multiple parties are on the ballot and multiple parties control govt. depending on the percentage of votes garnered following an election. This govt. of combined parties is called a coalition government. • These different parties often have varying ideologies or basic beliefs about govt.

9. Two Party Systems • About a dozen countries have a system in which two parties compete for power. The United States is one prime example of this system. • Often other parties exist, but the structure of power and organization of govt. marginalizes them.

11. Growth of American Parties Summary – Just know that the modern parties of today, the Democrats and Republicans, have evolved their ideologies over time in a response to historical moments and changes.

12. The Role of Minor Parties • Third parties have existed from early in our republic’s history. • They all have one thing in common. They believe that neither major party is serving the needs of certain citizens or interests. • Third parties give a voice to interests or concerns that are often not voiced by Republicans or Democrats.

13. The Impact of Third Parties • Sometimes third party candidates may draw voters away from a like-minded party. Those third party candidates are often criticized for this.

14. Obstacles to Third Parties • Third party candidates are required to obtain voter signatures to get on ballots. • Single-member districts mean that only one candidate will get to serve in a district. Since most voters support a major party candidate, few third party candidates will get elected to a district.

15. Obstacles (cont.) • Nations whose election systems are based on proportional representation make conditions favorable for third party candidates to get elected. Our nation does not have this type of system. • Since most Americans are convinced that third party candidates can’t win. Third parties have a difficult time raising money for campaigns.

16. Section 16.1 Assessment Answer question #4 on pg. 457 and list seven American political parties.