Political Parties

-a group of people with similar beliefs and ideas about government Political Parties -political party -a group of people with similar beliefs and ideas about government Want to influence government by electing party candidates to office -what are their beliefs??? Differ about role of government Candidates usually belong to one political party whose members have similar ideas about government. The United States has two main political parties: the Democratic party and the Republican party. There are some smaller parties, too. This allows for more than two candidates to run for president. Ross Perot ran for president in 1992 as a third-party candidate against Democrat Bill Clinton and Republican George Bush.

Kinds of Party Systems -One Party system Totalitarian Dictatorships Authoritarian Empires -Two Party system American tradition Democrats vs. Republicans USA is the minority -Multi-Party System Most Democracies around the world UK, Japan, Israel, Canada, Germany, India, Mexico

One Party System Because the party wants to maintain control over the people, they typically do not allow any political freedom, and people who oppose them are usually “disposed of.” -only one political party Party and government nearly the same thing -usually a dictatorship or communist system Cuba, China, North Korea Iraq, USSR, Nazi Germany -competition from other parties usually not allowed Opposition is silenced -little political freedom Oppressive to the people Do not give people rights

One-Party System A one-party system or single-party system is a type of party system government in which a single political party forms the government and no other parties are permitted to run candidates for election. In most cases, single-party states have arisen from fascist, socialist, or communist ideologies.

Totalitarian This is a country with only one political party. People are forced to do what the government tells them and may also be prevented from leaving the country. The government controls everything!

The Hunger Games would be a fictional example.

Communist In a communist country, the government owns property such as businesses and farms. It provides its people's healthcare, education and welfare.

Stalin, Castro, Lenin, Jong Il, Marx

Joseph Stalin was a Dictator in the Soviet Union (USSR) from 1922-1953 Dictatorship A country ruled by a single leader. The leader has not been elected and may use force to keep control. In a military dictatorship, the army is in control. Joseph Stalin was a Dictator in the Soviet Union (USSR) from 1922-1953

Famous Dictators in History

-Democrats -Republicans Two Party System -System used by United States Two major political parties compete for power -Democrats -Republicans Traditionally, the United States has been a two-party system, in which two major political parties, the Republicans and Democrats, compete for political power. Does this mean that other political ideas do not exist in America? Are there other parties than Republicans or Democrats?

Two Party System Democrats Republicans

More government spending for progressive programs Less government spending and tax cuts Less government regulation of business School vouchers promoting parental choice Freedom to own guns Reform private health care More government spending for progressive programs Government regulation of business Increased spending for public education Gun control laws Public health care

Democratic Party It is the oldest political party in the United States and arguably the oldest party in the world. It is the majority party in Senate and the White House. The Democratic Party is the more liberal party. Normally pass higher tax policy in order to have more social programs.

Republican Party It is often referred to as the Grand Old Party or the GOP. They are the majority party in the House of Reps. Today, the Republican Party supports a pro-business platform. It stands for lower taxes and more individual economic independence. It is considered to be the more conservative party. Founded in 1854 by anti-slavery expansion activists and modernizers. Abe Lincoln was the 1st Republican president elected.

Abraham Lincoln Lincoln was the 1st Republican President Abraham Lincoln Lincoln was the 1st Republican President. He was elected in 1860. The Republicans were the more liberal party initially, but now are the more conservative.

Many say the 2-Party System in America restricts and confuses public policy.

Party Polarization -hard to tell the differences between the Parties in the United States Basic difference: belief in how much the government should be involved in lives of citizens Both have moderate positions to attract voters -Democrats -Republicans Even though it is often hard to tell the differences between political parties in the U.S., people still claim membership in one of the major parties. Where do our ideas about membership and party alliances come from? Can that change?

Fears of Our System -lack of political choices Two major choices Can leave out ideas -fear that parties would divide the nation -”dangers of factions” (divisions) People only divided over parties instead of discussing issues -George Washington’s Warnings Do not form political parties -minority may be ignored by majority Our first President, George Washington, gave two pieces of advice to future Americans. One of those was to avoid forming political parties. Why would he want the U.S. NOT to form political parties? Did we listen?

Advantages / Disadvantages stability in government experienced leaders -Disadvantages minority ignored (especially third parties) little change in government

Multi-party system Political parties exist in most countries, but a two-party system is rare. Most democracies have multi-party systems. One party rarely wins enough support so parties must work together. This is called a coalition.

-single party majorities rare Multi-Party System -3 or more parties -lots of choices -single party majorities rare Too many choices, too much division of voters -coalitions--when two or more parties join together in order to make a majority in a multi-party system -coalitions control most multi-party systems -can be unstable because coalitions frequently fail and new coalitions are formed Too many competing interests Underlying tension between government allies has resurfaced only two days after the coalition government forced Pervez Musharraf to resign as president by threatening to impeach him. Mr Musharraf's departure marked the start of Pakistan's fourth period of democracy and civilian rule in its 61-year history. No civilian government has ever completed its term in office.