Political Parties #2Evolution of Parties

One Party System

• George Washington–Farewell Address:

warned of the problems caused by factions

• Advantages:• Dis:

Two Party System • Federalists – Support National

Bank, strong central gov–Alexander

Hamilton

• Democratic-Republicans– Strict

construction, states’ rights– Thomas Jefferson

Dealignment• Party dies off–EX: Federalist party disappears

Jacksonian Democrats• Andrew Jackson: grassroots party – –Gives more power to people by changing

how nominees for president are chosen•Before, Congress would caucus and pick

nominee•He brings National Party Conventions:

party elite chooses nominee

National Convention

Realignment • A realigning election:–Change due to a

major issue–Voters shift

preferences–Change in policy–Coalition shift

Republican Realignment (1850s – Present)

• Coalition: Whigs, Abolitionists, Anti-expansion of slavery

• 1860 Pres Election:–D’s nominate 2 (1 N, 1 S)–Whig nominee *splits the vote –R’s Abraham Lincoln – wins w/less than

40% of vote • Party of Lincoln

Era of Republicans (1896 – 1932)

• Critical Election : election that brings a realignment

• R’s win every Pres election except 2 (Wilson)

• South aligns with D’s

Mock Election! Propositions 1A : High speed train (2008) 2 : farm animals 3: Children’s hospital 4 : abortion for minors 5 : non-violent criminals 7 : renewable energy 1D: children’s hospital 1E: Mental Health services 66: 3 Strikes82: Preschool

Quick Review1. How did G Wash feel about political

parties?2. What is a critical election?3. What does party dealignment mean? 4. How did Jackson change how the

electoral system works?

Progressive Party• Splits off from the R • Reaction to–Political Machines:• Party bosses that

controlled politics by exchanging favors for votes

–Urban problems

Boss Tweed

Solutions: • Primary Elections–Ppl vote for nominee, not party

• Voter Registration–Fill out form in order to vote

• Secret (Australian) ballot–Vote in secret

Brings power to the ppl, away from party

More Reforms• Initiative • Referendum• RecallAll follow this process:

1. Petition2. Vote

Roosevelt (D) Realignment (1932 – 1968)

• Great Depression! Herbert Hoover (R) • Franklyn D. Roosevelt (D) elected • Changes govt involvement in economy:–Social Security–Public Works Projects

• Deficit Spending

Roosevelt Revolution…

• Party membership divides along economic lines (except in S) • African Americans, unions join D party• D’s win every Pres election except 2

(Eisenhower)

New Era (1968-Present) • 1968-2008: only 3 D

Presidents (Carter, Clinton, Obama) • Divided Gov–Congress in 80s–Congress from 1994 – 2006

• United Gov–2000-2006 and today

Are Parties Dying?

• Increase in Independent voters• Increase in split ticket voting–Straight ticket voting

• Low voter turnout overall • Increased focus on candidate, not party