1. US POLITICAL PARTIES

2. EVOLUTION OF POLITICAL PARTIES Development of US Two-Party System First two parties (Federalists/Democratic-Republicans) represented different ideas about government and different population groups. Dem-Rep’s were supported by farmers, planters, shop-keepers, and laborers. Federalists were supported by New England merchants and bankers New Parties Emerge Federalist’s gradually disappeared, Democratic-Republicans ran unopposed for several years. The party broke up in the mid 1820’s. Democratic Party emerged with the support of small farmers and working people. Whigs emerged with the support of northern bankers, merchants, manufacturers, and large plantation owners. Republican Party- 1850’s both parties split over the issue of slavery. Proslavery voters stayed in the Democratic party Whigs and Antislavery Democrats formed the Republican party Democrats and Republicans have remained the two major parties in US politics.

3. THIRD PARTIES Minor parties have risen to challenge the Democrats and Republicans several times in US history. A third party candidate has never won a presidential election, however, they have affected the outcome of previous elections, and influenced government and social policy. Populist Party- late 1890’s. Coalition of farmers and working people that called for the direct election of US senators, and an 8-hour working day. Progressive Party- Split off from Republicans in 1912, and ran former president, Teddy Roosevelt as its candidate. Because they took votes from the Republicans, the democratic nominee, Woodrow Wilson won the election. Generally, there are 3 kinds of third parties. Single Issue- platform centers around a single issue. (Prohibition Party) Political Beliefs- platform centers around “extreme” political ideology (American Socialist Party, and Libertarian Party) Single Candidate- platform centers around a single candidate, usually forms when that candidate fails to receive support from major parties. (American Independent Party)

4. ORGANIZATION OF US POLITICAL PARTIES What party members do Nominate candidates, aka name the candidates they want to run for office. Campaign, aka gather support for its candidates and inform voters of the party’s and candidates stance on issues. If and when the candidate wins, party members help organize and manage government. Patronage- giving jobs or special favors to party workers. This has declined recently with merit appointment being more favorable. Party Organization- political parties are organized at local, state, and national levels. Precinct- Election districts, a geographic area that contains a specific number of voters. Political Machine- strong party organization that leads to victories for a certain candidate or party year after year. Platform- A party’s statement of its goals and positions on various public issues Plank- each item and issue in the general platform is called a plank.

5. ROLE OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE US TODAY Basic Functions of Political Parties: Select and Support Candidates Inform the Public Carry the message of the people to the government Grassroots movement- a political movement that begins with the people. Act as watchdogs over government activities Serve as a link between different levels and branches of government Political parties Today- many believe political parties today are not as strong as they once were. Decline in Party Loyalty- weakening of party loyalty, changing districts and areas, low voter turnout, independent and non partisan voters, interest group influence. Nonpartisan elections- nonparty elections. Some states require that certain elections be nonpartisan (school boars, city councils, etc.)