Political Parties Organization of Individuals Broad Common Interests Organize to win Election Influence Government Policy PURPOSE: Get Candidate Elected

Kinds of Party Systems One Party Two Party Multi Party Party & Gov. nearly the same Elections are empty exercises Little Political Freedom People’s Republic of China (Communist) U.S. System Two Major Parties Democrats & Republicans Political Freedom Democracies 3+ Parties Compete for Control May be unstable b/c coalitions form Political freedom Canada, Israel, Japan, Europe

History of U.S. Political Parties Federalists/Democratic Republicans Democrats/Whigs Democrats/Republics

For the Visual Learner REPUBLICAN DEMOCRAT WHIGS DEMOCRAT SLAVERY REPUBLICAN DEMOCRAT ISSUE THAT DIVIDES WHIGS DEMOCRAT DEMOCRAT-REPUBLICANS CONSTITUTION FEDERALIST ANTI-FEDERALISTS ISSUE THAT DIVIDES

Federalists/Democratic Republicans Federalists: Hamilton believed individual rights at risk of government was too weak and national government needed to protect people’s rights (1789-1820 Democrat Republicans: Jefferson’s party wanted limited government with more state powers (1797-1832)

Hamilton & Jefferson

Democrats/Whigs Democrats: Andrew Jackson (1828) play up ties to common people (Democrats) (1832-Present) Whigs: included critics of Andrew Jackson, states’ rights advocates, and supporters of internal improvements (1834-1864)

Democrats v. Whigs

Democrats/Republicans Democrats couldn’t agree on whether or not slavery should be abolished (1854). By 1860 the Republicans emerge against the Democrats over the issue of slavery.

Old Abe Abraham Lincoln will become the 1st Republican President.

Democrats/Republicans (TODAY) Donkey/Blue Republicans Elephant/Red Federal government should be more directly involved in: regulating economy providing income housing education jobs for the poor If you help nation’s economy grow: poor people have a better chance of finding jobs less government regulation of economy is best way to promote growth.

BOTH PARTIES AGREE ON CERTAIN THINGS LIKE INDIVIDUAL FREEDOMS RIGHTS PROTECTING THE NATION GOOD EDUCATION PRESERVING ENVIRONMENT 3 BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT HOWEVER THEY DISAGREE ON HOW TO ACHIEVE THESE GOALS

DEMOCRATS Left Liberal More government regulation Increase welfare funding Support government funding of programs, Farmers & laborers City Younger Little or highly educated Low or very high incom North Federal gov. more directly involved in regulating economy & providing services

REPUBLICANS Right Conservative Less government regulation Oppose tax increases Merchants & bankers Rural/urban Older College educated Middle to upper class South Favor less government regulation of the economy as the best way to promote production

The Political Spectrum LIBERAL CONSERVATIVE MODERATE MOST AMERICANS FALL IN THE MIDDLE

Political Philosophies Conservatives: person who favors less government or a government that is less involved in people’s lives and is less open to reforming ideas. Liberals: people who are in favor of more government involvement and may be more open to reform Moderates: person who is somewhere in-between the major political parties and may have some beliefs which favor one side and other beliefs that favor the other party.

Party Platforms Statement expressing parties Beliefs Principles Positions Each section is called a plank

Fears of Our System Lack of political choices Parties would divide the nation George Washington Warnings Minority may be ignored by majority

Our Two Party System Advantages Disadvantages Stability of government Experienced leaders Continuity allows for smooth transitions Force parties to stay near the center of issues Avoids extremes Minority ignored Little change in government Coverage goes to major parties **Eventually minority views become accepted by the main parties**

Formation of Third Parties Promote an idea not represented by the 2 parties Help change laws & elections **NEVER WON A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION**

Obstacles to Third Parties NEVER WON A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION Rarely win major elections Larger # of voter signatures required to get name on ballots Difficult to raise money.