What is a political party?What is a political party?• Organization of individuals who come
together to win elections and influence government policy
One Party SystemOne Party System• Disadvantages – the people have
no choice and are at mercy of the party
Two Party SystemTwo Party System• Disadvantages – groups with
minority feelings are generally left out
Multi-Party SystemMulti-Party System• Definition – three or more parties
compete for control of government
Multi-Party SystemMulti-Party System• Disadvantages:
– Plurality (the most votes) determines the leader, not a majority
– Coalitions: several parties must work together in order to function which can easily break down
George Washington’s George Washington’s Farewell AddressFarewell Address
• to put, in the place of the delegated will of the nation the will of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community; ….. the above description may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.
History of Political Parties History of Political Parties
• Considering the excerpt above from George Washington’s farewell address how did he feel about political parties in the US?
What were the first two What were the first two parties in the US?parties in the US?
• Federalists
• Democratic-Republican
Where did each party want Where did each party want most political power to be?most political power to be?
• Federalists wanted a strong national government
• Democratic-Republicans wanted more power with states
What issue prompted the What issue prompted the establishment of the establishment of the
Republican Party?Republican Party?• Formed to oppose slavery
What are the two dominate What are the two dominate parties in American politics parties in American politics
today?today?• Democrats
• Republicans
What is a political parties What is a political parties platformplatform??
• Statement of a parties beliefs and positions on election issues
Identify the major differences Identify the major differences between the Republicans and between the Republicans and
Democrats:Democrats:• Democrats:• National Gov. should regulate
economy• Provide housing, income, education,
and jobs for poor• Protect the environment through
regulation
RepublicansRepublicans• Less government regulation of
economy so businesses can grow• Growing economy means poor can
get jobs and improve lives• Less environmental regulation
because it hurts economy• Strong military
What is a third party in What is a third party in American politics?American politics?
• Smaller, minor parties that rarely win seats in office
• Have never won Presidency
How are third parties How are third parties formed?formed?
• Single-Issue Parties – form to promote a particular issue (ie – The Prohibitionist Party)
• Ideological Parties – support a particular philosophy (i.e. – The Communist Party USA)
• Independent Candidate Parties – formed around a strong leader (i.e. the Reform Party)
What obstacles make it difficult What obstacles make it difficult for third parties to win major for third parties to win major
elections?elections?• Must get petitions signed by
voters to get on ballot• Difficult to raise large amounts
of money
How have third parties How have third parties influenced American politics?influenced American politics?
• Influencing Policy:• The Populist Party of the 1890’s
promoted an 8 hour workday and direct election of Senators
How have third parties How have third parties influenced American politics?influenced American politics?
Spoiler Role:• Ralph Nader ran in the 2000 election
against George Bush and Al Gore under the Green Party which was close in philosophy to the Democrats meaning those who voted for Nader would probably have voted for Gore if he had not run. This may have spoiled the election for Gore
LOCAL CHAIRPERSON
PRECINT CAPTIAN AND WORKERS
NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON
NATIONAL COMMITTEE
STATE CHAIRPERSON
STATE COMMITTEE
CITY, COUNTY, TOWN COMMITTEE
CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE (HOR)
SENATORIAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
NATIONAL CONVENTION
WHO MAKES UP A PARTIES WHO MAKES UP A PARTIES NATIONAL COMMITTEE?NATIONAL COMMITTEE?
• REPRESENTATIVES OF EVERY STATE
What are the two most What are the two most important tasks that are important tasks that are
completed at the National completed at the National Convention?Convention?
• Nominate candidates for President and VP
• Write the Party’s Platform
Identify each of the Identify each of the followingfollowing
• Precinct – a geographic area that contains a number of voters
• Ward – geographically connected precincts
What is a political machine?What is a political machine?• A local party organization so
powerful it can guarantee candidates election
How does one join a political How does one join a political party?party?
• Identify your party choice when you register to vote
What are the roles of a What are the roles of a political party?political party?
1. NOMINATE CANDIDATES• Primary elections: most
popular method of choosing candidates
DIRECT PRIMARYDIRECT PRIMARY• Allowing the voters to choose
candidates• Close Primary – only registered
party members can vote• Open Primary – voters do not need
to be party members to vote• Caucus – meeting of party
delegates to choose
CAMPAIGNING FOR CAMPAIGNING FOR CANDIDATESCANDIDATES
• Raise money for candidate• Inform voters about candidates
views
CARRY THE PEOPLE’S CARRY THE PEOPLE’S MESSAGEMESSAGE
• Listen to the concerns of the people• Grassroots Movement – a political
movement that begins with the people.
OPERATING THE OPERATING THE GOVERNMENTGOVERNMENT
• Party issues are supported by elected officials
• Leaders choose loyal party members for important positions
LINK DIFFERENT LEVELS OF LINK DIFFERENT LEVELS OF GOVERNMENTGOVERNMENT
• National, state and local party members cooperate together to run the country
WATCHDOG ROLEWATCHDOG ROLE• Each party watches the actions
of the other and informs the public about corruption
Political PhilosophiesPolitical Philosophies
• "A definition I once heard involved a tree with a rotten limb. The conservative wants to wait and see if the tree will heal itself. The liberal wants to saw off the limb. The radical wants to chop down the tree and plant a new one."
ConservativesConservativesGenerally are people who • Oppose government interference
in economy• Oppose change• Believe in individual
responsibility
LiberalLiberal• Generally are people who: believe
government• can bring about positive change• Government should protect
freedoms• should help those who cannot
help themselves