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Political Parties

Political Parties. An organized group who share common beliefs who work to win elections, control government, and set public policy. A little history . George Washington warned that political parties would tear the nation apart. Yet…..

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Political Parties

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  1. Political Parties An organized group who share common beliefs who work to win elections, control government, and set public policy.

  2. A little history • George Washington warned that political parties would tear the nation apart. Yet….. • Two opposing factions arose, both concerned with how the new government would be organized.

  3. First Two Political Parties Anti-Federalists/Democratic Republicans Federalists Alexander Hamilton Ideology-Wealthy & well-educated should lead nation Strong Central government Loose interpretation of the Constitution Favored manufacturing, shipping & trade Wanted protective tariffs & national bank • Thomas Jefferson • Ideology- Commonpeople should have political power • Strong State government • Strict interpretation of the Constitution • Favored Agriculture/farmers • Opposed protective tariffs & a national bank

  4. Symbols of the Political PartiesThomas Nast Cartoons Democrats Republicans Elephant Ulysees S. Grant accused of “Caesarism” and Republican voters depicted as a bumbling elephant trying to escape. Dignified, strong & intelligent • Donkey • Andrew Jackson’s opponents called him a “jackass” for his populist views. • Humble, smart, courageous & lovable.

  5. Purpose of Political Parties • Provide government leadership • Guide public policy toward their ideology • Provide information/distribute literature • Encourage voter participation • Simplify political decisions • Advertise party’s beliefs before an election

  6. Functions of Political Parties • Recruit & nominate candidates for political office • Provide financial & technical help to party candidates • Like what? • campaign contributions • training • polling services

  7. Functions of Political Parties • Plan and implement get-out-the-vote drives • How? • registration drives • mailings • phone banks • email • website

  8. Functions of Political Parties • Hold Primary elections • Primaries • party elections to decide party’s candidate for the general election

  9. Secret Ballot Primaries • Closed Primary • voters may vote only in the party’s primary that they are registered in (NY) • Open Primary • voters may vote in any party’s primary regardless of party membership • Semi-Open Primary • Registered party members can only vote in their own respective party’s primary, but independents can vote in either party’s primary (New Hampshire)

  10. Impact of Presidential Primaries • National Parties hold nominating conventions every 4 years • Party delegates attend and nominate the party’s candidate • Candidates secure delegates who will vote for them at the convention by doing well in the primaries • More primary votes = more delegates at the convention

  11. Caucus • voters gather at a location and group together based on candidate support (Iowa)

  12. Pros 18 years old Register that night Informative Cons Have to be there on time Takes an hour Not private Caucusing http://youtu.be/racTAiemEQU

  13. Party Platforms Delegates at party conventions debate & ratify party platforms Platform: where the party stands on key issues Planks: positions on individual issues that make up the platform

  14. Democratic Platform 2012 • Civil Rights for All • Student Loan Reform • Alternative Energy Sources • Free & Affordable Healthcare for All • Restore America’s Image Around the World • Protect Social Security & Medicare • End tax loopholes for corporations

  15. Republican Platform 2012 • Free Market Economy with less business regulations • Increase national defense to combat terrorism • Repealing Obamacare • School vouchers • Energy independence • Protect traditional marriage • Adoption not abortion

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