Introduction to Political Parties

Functions Hold governments accountable to the people Nominate and recruit candidates to office Educate and inform the people Minority party acts as a “watchdog” Help in daily operation of government

Historical Background Two party system – traces back to founders – Fed vs. Anti Fed (Democratic Republicans) – Yet, often skeptical and critical of “factions” Dem-Repub dominate early 1800s Republican Party emerges from Civil War – Abraham Lincoln Democrats find success after Great Depression – Franklin Roosevelt, Truman Back and forth – Eisenhower – R, Kennedy –D, LBJ – D, Nixon – R, Ford – R, Reagan – R, Carter – D, Bush – R, Clinton – D, Bush – R, Obama - D

1.I generally trust the government’s ability to solve America’s problems. 2.The government should do more to solve social problems like poverty, even if it means raising taxes. 3.The government should provide health care for everyone in America. 4.Women and racial minorities should be given preferences in hiring until we achieve equality in America.

5.The government should be more active in protecting the environment, even if it means raising taxes. 6.The government should stay out of economic decisions as much as possible and allow for free competition to take place. 7.The government should take a more active role in promoting traditional values such as abstinence. 8. The government is justified in taking away some of our individual freedoms for the overall security of the country.

10. There should be stricter laws when it comes to who can own and operate guns as well as what types of guns can be purchased. 11. The government should cut taxes rather than invest more in social programs like welfare. 12. The government is too large (has too many programs/influence in our lives) and should be made smaller. 13. Illegal immigrants should be immediately deported.

14. The former war in Iraq and current war in Afghanistan are justified and in the best interest of our national security. 15.The government should do more to discourage gay marriage. 16. Public school teachers’ salaries should be based on student achievement on standardized tests – not based on levels of experience or education.

Republican Party Principles Less government intervention in issues like poverty Low taxes to stimulate the economy More willing to spend money on defense Conservative values – pro life, against gay marriage

Democratic Party Principles Support government sponsored programs to help problems like poverty Willing to tax the wealthy to pay for social programs More skeptical of the war in Afghanistan More liberal values – pro choice, pro gay marriage

Minority Parties Some ideological, some single issue, some splinter from “major” parties Find difficulty breaking into entrenched two party system Often serve “spoiler” role – Ex: Ralph Nader to Al Gore in 2000 Election Serve role as critic and innovator – willing to be more controversial and less “political”