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Understanding the U.S. Two-Party System

Explore the role and evolution of political parties in the United States, from Federalists to Republicans. Discover how party organization, funding, and voting rights shape the electoral process.

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Understanding the U.S. Two-Party System

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  1. Chapter 10Electing Leaders Section 1: A Two-Party System Section 2: Political Party Organization Section 3: The Right to Vote Section 4: Nominating and Electing Our Leaders

  2. Chapter 10 Section 1: A Two-Party System OBJECTIVES • What is the role of political parties in the United States? • How did political parties develop in the United States? • How do one-party and two-party political systems differ?

  3. Chapter 10 Section 1: A Two-Party System Political parties in the United States: • Way for large groups with similar ideas to get things done • Take positions on public issues and work to pass laws • Allows individuals to have a stronger voice within a group • Parties must compromise and work together

  4. Chapter 10 Section 1: A Two-Party System The development of political parties in the United States: • Federalists—believed in strengthening the central government • Antifederalists (Democratic-Republicans) tried to limit the power of the federal government. • 1820s—Andrew Jackson led the Democratic Party; determined the government should represent the “common people” • 1854—Republican Party formed by antislavery groups; nominated Abraham Lincoln for president in 1860

  5. Chapter 10 Section 1: A Two-Party System One-party and two-party political systems: • One-party systems—dictatorships or totalitarian governments; one group or person has power; people do not have essential freedoms • Two-party systems—create stable governments; allow for majority rule; voters have a choice

  6. Chapter 10 Section 2: Political Party Organization OBJECTIVES • What are the committees that help major political parties, and what are their responsibilities? • Where do political parties get their money, and why does Congress regulate political contributions? • How does the Federal Election Campaign Act regulate federal campaigns?

  7. Chapter 10 Section 2: Political Party Organization Party committees and their responsibilities: • National committee—sets dates, rules, and location of national convention; publishes and distributes literature; arranges speakers; aids presidential candidate • State central committees—supervise operations within the states; maintain harmony and organization; raise money and aid candidates • Local committees—conduct campaigns; recommend appointments and candidates; raise money; crucial to party success; precinct captains encourage voters to cast ballots for the party’s candidates

  8. Chapter 10 Section 2: Political Party Organization Money and Regulations • Private contributions make up a large percentage of funds. • Business groups, labor unions and other groups also contribute. • Large fund-raising events are held by each party. • Fear of corruption prompted Congress to regulate the size of donations.

  9. Chapter 10 Section 2: Political Party Organization Federal Election Campaign Act • 1972—Federal Election Campaign Act passed to lessen the possibility of corruption • FECA limits size of contributions and requires a report of donors. • Soft money remains difficult to monitor. • The Presidential Election Campaign Fund gives public funds to qualified candidates who can then no longer receive private donations.

  10. Chapter 10 Section 3: The Right to Vote OBJECTIVES • Who can vote in U.S. elections, and how is this right protected? • What is the difference in primary elections and general elections? • How has the voting process changed over the years?

  11. Chapter 10 Section 3: The Right to Vote Voting Rights in U.S. Elections • All U.S. citizens over the age of 18 are eligible to vote. • States cannot deny the right to vote based on race, color, or sex. • The Voting Rights Act protects voters’ rights. • Disqualified voters include prison inmates, mentally incompetent persons, election-law violators, and persons with no established residence. • Voters must register prior to an election.

  12. Chapter 10 Section 3: The Right to Vote Primary Elections • Allows registered voters to choose the party candidates • Closed primary: only party members can vote for each party’s candidate • Open primary: voters can vote for either party’s candidates

  13. Chapter 10 Section 3: The Right to Vote General Elections • Registered voters choose the leaders. • Organizations, newspapers, radio, television, and magazines help inform voters.

  14. Chapter 10 Section 3: The Right to Vote Changes in the voting process: • Early 1800s—voting was by voice • 1888—secret ballots adopted to ensure fairness and honesty • 1960s—Mechanical lever machines were most common • Punchcards, mark-sense, and direct recording electronic systems are other paper-ballot alternatives.

  15. Chapter 10 Section 4: Nominating and Electing Our Leaders OBJECTIVES • What is the purpose of national nominating conventions, and how are convention delegates chosen? • What is the nomination process at the national conventions? • What are some methods of presidential campaigning? • What is the main purpose of the electoral college?

  16. Chapter 10 Section 4: Nominating and Electing Our Leaders National nominating conventions and choosing delegates: • Delegates are elected in primaries or selected by party leaders. • Additional delegates are determined by different formulas. • Parties agree on a platform and select a candidate at national conventions. • Conventions are huge, televised events intended to spread the party’s message to voters.

  17. Chapter 10 Section 4: Nominating and Electing Our Leaders The nomination process at the national conventions: • State-by-state roll call and nominating speeches for candidates • Favorite sons or daughters nominated to honor or delay decision • Balloting of the delegates ensues until candidate is chosen • Delegates nominate the vice president based on ability win votes • Presidential candidates have the strongest voice regarding the choice for vice president.

  18. Chapter 10 Section 4: Nominating and Electing Our Leaders Methods of presidential campaigning: • Television and other media advertise candidates’ views. • Presidential debates (televised since 1960s) • Computers offer online campaigning. • Personal-appearance tours • Telephone campaigning urges citizens to vote.

  19. Chapter 10 Section 4: Nominating and Electing Our Leaders The main purpose of the electoral college: • Electors cast the official votes for presidency based on the popular vote in each state. • The framers of the Constitution worried citizens would not be able to choose wise leaders. • The relevancy of the electoral college today is in debate.

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