POLITICAL BEHAVIOR AND PARTICIPATION

Political Parties Political Party- a group of people organized to influence government through winning elections and setting public policy

Types of Party Systems One-Party System: A political system in which only one party exists or routinely controls government. Most one- party systems allow elections, but they are not competitive because only that party’s candidates are on the ballot. Examples of Countries with a one party system: China, Cuba, Laos

Types of Party Systems Two Party System: A political system in which only two major parties compete for control of the government. This is rare today, it only occurs in 15 countries today Are we a two party system???

Types of Party Systems Multiparty System: a political system in which many parties exist and compete for control of the government. Multiparty systems are mostly found in countries that have strong parliamentary systems.

5 Roles of Political Parties 1. Inform Citizens: Political parties shed light on the issues that are important to the party and to citizens. Parties go to great efforts to publicize their points of view on various issues. This process allows citizens to learn and develop opinions about society’s pressing problems What are some issues that candidates are talking about today?

5 Roles of Political Parties 2. Acting as Watchdogs- Members of other parties usually hold a significant number of seats in government. They represent an opposing view and voice concerns over polices and decisions of the party in power.

5 Roles of Political Parties 3. Nominate Candidates- Political parties find the best possible candidates for the office that is up for election. This can be an office as big as the president or as low level as mayor or city council office.

5 Roles of Political Parties 4. Influence Policy- Candidates, with the support of the party, will do their best to create laws and policies that support the parties goals.

5 Roles of Political Parties 5. Unite Levels of Government- There are all different levels of government, and political parties are involved in all of them!! It sounds funny, but often local, state, and federal levels of representatives will work together.

Party Influence in the United States You are free to identify yourself with any party and you can change parties! The ability to switch party loyalties is part of protecting your individual rights Clearest trend in politics today is for people to identify as INDEPENDENT….they can chose different parties at different levels of government, they do not have an allegiance to one party

Party Organization Instead of top down organization, parties are organized from the bottom up Grassroots Organization- people at the local level; average voters, not professional politicians This allows for movements of social change

America’s Two Party System Origins of the two party system is rooted in debates about FEDERALISM, opposing sides argued about views on the battle of ratification of Constitution Federalist Party- Headed up by Alexander Hamilton Democratic- Republicans-Headed up by Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe. Originally called ANTI-Federalists STATES RIGHTS VS. FEDERALISM

Hamilton Vs. Jefferson

Jefferson Vs. Hamilton

First Democratic Era Election of 1828 marked the founding of the modern American political party by Andrew Jackson Democrat group make up- westerners, southerners, new immigrants, long time citizens. Primary Democratic Goals: Broaden voting rights Economic opportunity for citizens Political opportunity for citizens Eliminate privileges for the elite class

Andrew Jackson- First Democrat

First Democratic Era This era also establishes political traditions: Establishment of the convention to nominate candidates Emergence of a new party!!

First Democratic Era Whig Party Led by Henry Clay and Daniel Webster Opposed to the Democrats “King Andrew” Two presidents: William Henry Harrison and Zachary Taylor Eventually the party will split because of in fighting between Southern planters and Northern industrialists

The Republican Era Emerges because of the issue of slavery 1850s anti slavery party Abraham Lincoln 1 st Republican president Republicans will control the government and politics for 60 years!! Became corrupt in the era of William McKinley, and were known for “stuffing” ballot boxes The reaction to this corruption will create the Progressive movement

The Republican Era

The Second Democratic Era