POLITICAL BEHAVIOR

• Party Systems• History of Political Parties• Organization of Political Parties• Democrats – Republicans• Third Parties• Political Party Platforms• Functions of Political Parties• Political Parties – Choosing Candidates• Liberal v. Conservative• Voting• Elections• Influencing the Government

PARTY SYSTEMS• One Party System – A system in which there is

only one major political party. The party runs the government. (Example – Communism; China, North Korea, Cuba)

• Two Party System – A system in which two major political parties battle for control of the government. (Example – United States; Democrats & Republicans)

• Multi-Party System – A system in which three or more political parties impact elections, and battle for control of the government. (Example – France, Germany, England)

                                                            

 

History of Political Parties• Democratic-Republican Party – Thomas

Jefferson – Wanted to limit the power of the federal government – more power to state government.

• Federalist Party – Alexander Hamilton – Wanted a strong national government to protect people’s rights, and solve problems created by a weak government under the Articles of Confederation.

ORGANIZATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES

PoliticalParty

Organization

Federal LevelNational committee in

each state hold national convention. Delegates

nominate candidates for President & VP

State LevelEach state has a

committee or organization.

Focus on state offices. (Governor, Lt. Governor,

Attorney General)

Local LevelPrecinct

Organize volunteersDistribute Leaflets

Register Voters

DEMOCRATS & REPUBLICANS• Democrats – Believe that the government

must be active in solving social problems. This generally leads to bigger government and increased taxes.

• Republicans – Believe that problems will be solved by the government being less active, and letting people solve problems.

THIRD PARTIES• Parties that do not have enough following

to compete and win elections on the national level.

• Third Parties offer an alternative to major parties. They are important because if they gain support, the issues that are important to them will be recognized by the major parties.

• There is no legal barrier to a third party becoming a major political party.

5 Functions of Political Parties• Campaigning for Candidates – help politicians get

elected to office.

• Informing Citizens – help citizens get information about issues, and how government operates.

• Help Manage Government – appoint loyal members to certain jobs.

• Linking Different Levels – provides a link between local, state, & federal government.

• Watchdog – alert public of wrongdoing.

• Primary Election – an election in which the political parties choose candidate for office to compete in the general election.

• Direct Primary – election in which voters choose candidates for political part in general election.

• Closed Primary – only registered members of political party can vote.

• Open Primary – choose party, can only vote in one, do not have to be a registered member.

• Plurality – most votes among those running wins.• Run-Off Primary – if majority is necessary, top (2)

have a run-off• Petition – unaffiliated candidates must get on ballot

by petition. (Ralph Nader)

Political Parties – Choosing Candidates

ISSUES Economy Education Foreign Policy

Civil Rights

Crime Environment

Republican

Supports free market competition.Deregulation and cutting entitlement spending.

Promote school choice/school vouchers and home schooling.

Spread Democracy. Stop WMD proliferation. Peace through strength.

Oppose affirmative action. Oppose gay marriage.

Tough on criminals. Limit gun control restrictions.

Supports privatizing federal land. Believe in cap/trade market based pollution limit

Democrat

Increase taxes to wealthy to cut deficit. Must limit deficit to stimulate economy.

Oppose vouchers. Increase NCLB funding. Lower class size, more teachers.

Support worldwide coalitions and multi-national programs. Support UN.

Support affirmative action. Support civil unions. Oppose same sex marriage amendment.

Support rehabilitation over punishment. Support increased gun control.

Environment over business. Increased regulation of business to protect the environment.

Libertarian

100% free market. Oppose government regulation.

Privatize public schools.Oppose federal government involvement.

Military is used for protection only.

Oppose government mandates. Support equality including marriage.

Decriminalize drugs. Prison should be for violent offenders. Repeal drug laws.

No government regulation.

Green Party

Community based economics. Support locally owned business, oppose corporations.

State & Local control of education. Increase $ to support education & provide equal access.

Nonviolence – military should be used as absolute last resort.

Support equality based on race, gender, etc…

Rehabilitation Crime is a result of lack of opportunity.

#1 issue. Protection of the environment is absolutely vital to future generations.

POLITICAL IDEOLOGYLIBERAL v CONSERVATIVELIBERAL (LEFT)

• Liberals feel the government has a responsibility to solve social problems.

• Liberals think that the government must regulate business to protect society from harmful business practices.

CONSERVATIVE (RIGHT)• Conservatives feel that the

government should be less active.

• Conservatives feel that government regulation tends to decrease productivity and harms the economy.

There are various degrees of being liberal and conservative. Democrats tend to be mildly liberal, and Republicans are mildly conservative. Third parties offer a more radical move to right or left.

VOTINGHISTORY

• White Males 21 years of age or older (early US history)

• Black Males (15th Amendment)• Females (19th Amendment)• 18 Years of Age

REGISTERING TO VOTE• Where? – County Offices, DMV

• What? – Proof of Citizenship, Address, & Age – Driver’s License or Birth Certificate

QUALIFICATIONS TO VOTE• 18 Years of age• Resident of state for a specific

amount of time• Citizen of the US• States may deny if you have

committed a serious crime• Cannot vote while in prison

VOCABULARY• Polling Place – location where

people vote• Precinct – a voting district

(geographic area)• Ballot – list of candidates on

which you vote• Returns – counting of ballots• Exit Poll – sample of voters

and how they voted

ELECTIONSELECTION PROCESS

• Declare Intent to Run for Office

• Primary Election• General Election

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION• Primary Election• General Election• Electoral College

CAMPAIGNS• Canvassing – going door to door

getting info out about candidates• Endorsements – using celebrities

& other politicians to gain support

• Advertising & Image Molding – using television, newspaper, radio, internet to portray candidate a particular way

CAMPAIGN FINANCING• Public Financing – Presidential

Election Campaign Fund - &3 on tax form. 3rd party candidate are eligible if they receive 5% of vote in previous election.

• Private Funding – Individual Citizens, Party Organizations, Corporations, Special Interest Groups, PACs, Soft Money

Influencing the GovernmentForming Public Opinion

(4) Sources of Public Opinion • Personal Background• Mass Media • Public Officials • Interest Groups

The Mass Media • Print (newspapers, magazines)• Electronic (radio, television, internet)

Interest Groups• Interest Group – organization that supports a

particular issue.• PAC – political action committee. Raise $ to get

candidates elected.• Lobbyist – person hired by interest group to provide

info and influence politicians.