1. Political Parties EQ. What is the purpose of political parties?
SSCG8 The student will demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national elections.
Describe the organization, role, and constituencies of political parties.
EQ. What is the purpose of political parties?
Agenda:
Homework Check
Notes
Political Parties videos and worksheet
Homework: Complete any unfinished work for Friday

2. What is a Political Party?
An organization of people
Share the same ideas of government
Members committed to party goals
Get candidates elected to office
Get laws passed to aid party goals

3. Party Systems Most countries have political parties
U.S. Party System
Party system types:
One party: China
Two party: USA
Multi-party: Great Britain
Two major parties vie for office
Other minor parties exist
Major parties
Democratic party
Republican Party

4. Similarities of Major Parties in U.S.
All value personal rights, freedoms
Educational opportunities for all
Economic opportunities for all
Government duty- to protect nation
Preserve environment
Help citizens
Differences
Disagree on ways to meet goals
Example:
Democrats- government directly helps the poor
Republicans- government helps economy and poor get jobs

5. The Two Party System Stabilizing Keeps people near the center
Benefits
 Disadvantages
Stabilizing
Keeps people near the center
Extreme ideas not supported by populace
Continuity
Government changes parties often
Transition is usually smooth
Minority groups left out
Ex.
Civil rights
Women's movement needed major party support
Third Parties rarely succeed

6. Party and government are almost the same. Ex. China
One Party Systems
Multi-party systems
Party and government are almost the same.
Ex. China
One party’s members run for office
Head of government usually head of party
Party members recruit new party members
Party members given top government jobs
Three or more parties-
Ex. Japan, Israel, Great Britain
Advantages:
More voter choice
Disadvantages:
Voters divided
No party gets majority votes
Must form coalition government
Coalition may not work-
50 governments in Italy since W.W.II