1. Warm-up: Jan. 3
1. Which of these statements is true about third parties in the United
States?
A They are encouraged by the Constitution.
B They are prohibited in many states.
C They win most congressional elections.
D They introduce alternative political ideas.
2. Which of these statements describes due process under the Fourteenth
Amendment?
A States must protect the right to a lawyer.
B Basic rights are protected by executive order.
C States must obtain congressional approval to limit rights.
D Basic rights are limited to those stated in the Constitution.
3. In which of these government systems are government leaders most accountable to citizens?
A oligarchy
B dictatorship
C absolute monarchy
D representative democracy

2. The Party System and the Democrat and Republican Parties

3. Five Roles of Political Parties
Nominate Candidates-the parties choose candidates who believe in the party’s platform (position of issues) and help spread the message during elections
Influence Policy-Senators and Reps. From the parties work together to protect and promote their party platforms
Unite Government-a party can link its members at different levels of government to achieve big goals for the party
Create Balance-the most powerful political party is the one with the most members. Many times, though, it must compromise with the minority party in order for deals to be made
Inform Citizens-Parties run campaigns for candidates. During campaigns political parties run television ads, give out pamphlets, post blogs and give speeches. All of this information is biased toward the candidate so other forms of information are necessary to make decisions as well.

4. How Many Parties are There?
Single-Party-one major political party, not considered a democracy because there is no opposition or choice in candidates
Two-Party-two major political parties that hold power. Third parties may exist, but hardly gain enough support to win elections (this system is uncommon)
Multiparty-three or more political parties; usually no party gains control of the government, so parties must work together to get things done

5. Party Systems Around the World!
Country
Number of Parties in Office
Australia 7
Denmark 11
Germany 5
Guatemala
Iceland
Israel 12
Turkey 4 US 2
Vietnam 1

6. 1.) There are too few parties for citizens to choose from
2.) The public has almost no voice
3.) Party platforms must appeal to so many people that party members can’t agree on core beliefs
4.) Parties have to work together to get things done
5.)More parties have a say in government so everyone can join a party they believe in
6.) There is no opportunity for opposing views to be represented
7.) Too many parties create divisions and make it hard for the government to accomplish reform
8.) The government can easily accomplish its goal because there is no opposition
9.) Encourage parties to create broad platforms that include many types of voters