Political Parties

What are they? Why do we have them?

Political Parties: groups of people who share similar beliefs about how the government should be run.

Parties have more power than if a person acted alone

Organized at every level of government (from national to local)

5 Roles of Political Parties

1. Nominate Candidates- Select who will run for political

office - Announce intent to run- Help win the election

2. Educate Citizens/VotersPresent information on issues

or beliefs through pamphlets, newspapers, radio, TV, speeches, conventions

All information is biased and should not be a citizen’s only source of information.

3. Create BalanceMajority: Having the most people as

supporters; can set the agendaMinority: Having fewer supporters;

must work hard to oppose the majority party.

Want to be the political party that has the most members elected to office.

4. Influence on PolicyPolicy: Principles, rules, laws. Members of Congress, from each

party, work together to create and pass laws that support their party’s platform.

Platform: a set of simplified statements that explains a party’s beliefs

5. Unite Government

Bring officials (on the local, state and national level) together to communicate about common goals.

How Many Parties Are There?

Countries can have none to many political parties. The number of political parties is described as the party system.

MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE UNITED STATES

OVERALL- Basic IdeasDemocrats:Want be able to have

more laws/regulations you are required to follow

Don’t believe in fighting. Talking/negotiation first. Last resort is fighting – and the United Nations gets involved

Equality overall. Wealthy contribute more to help out the poor. (dinner example)

Republicans:Want to tell you less

regulations you are required to follow -leave more up to private businesses – not controlled directly by government

Stronger militaryBusinesses grow to

provide opportunities for jobs to help poor.

The Economy and TaxesDemocrats :Tax system in which

the wealthy pay a larger share than the poor

trade agreements with other countries hurt American workers (make laws to protect American businesses)

balanced budget/willing to raise taxes if needed

Republicans :Tax cuts for everyone

helps economyBelieve in global

trade/do not tend to protect US businesses from international competition

against raising taxes even if it means a budget deficit

National Defense and SecurityDemocratsTend to cut the

military budgetAvoid American

military intervention unless supported by the United Nations

Slow to go to war

RepublicansStrong military and

are willing to pay for it with government money

Confronting American enemies with or without UN support

Using military intervention when American interests or security is threatened

Entitlements- Welfare, Medicaid, Social Security, Health CareDemocrats:Universal safety

net (health care, education, welfare, food stamps) for the poor and others.

Republicans :Limit or reduce the

safety net for the poor.

Private businesses and non-profit charities can provide the same services.

Crime and PunishmentDemocrats:Rehabilitation

programs over long prison sentences for convicted criminals

Against the death penalty

Focus on rights of the accused

Republicans:Prison sentences

as a deterrent to crime

For the death penalty

Stiffer penalties for convicted criminals

Environmental ProtectionDemocratsFavor stricter

regulations on businesses to protect the environment

Believe global warming is a real threat

RepublicansFavor fewer

restrictions on businesses in the hopes that wealthier companies will be able to be more environmental

Many do not believe global warming is a real threat

Energy Policy

DemocratsFocus on

researching alternative energy sources for the future

RepublicansFocus on

securing existing energy sources for the present and future

Values- Same Sex Marriage and Civil Rights Laws

Democrats:Tend to support

the right for same-sex couples to marry

Republicans:Tend to oppose

the right for same-sex couples to marry

Education

Democrats:Oppose using

tax money for school choice (vouchers and charters)

Republicans:Favor using tax

money for school choice (vouchers and charters)

ImmigrationDemocratsFavor looser

immigration lawsSome favor

“Amnesty” for illegals already in the country

RepublicansFavor stricter

immigration lawsSome favor

punishment or deportation for illegals already in the country