The Political Specturm Macdonald Government

Definition Term used to refer to differences in ideologies between major political parties In US, Republicans usually are thought to be on the right of the spectrum (conservative) Democrats on left (liberal)

History of Political Parties In the US, founding fathers did not trust groups of ppl with their own political ideas (factions or parties) G. Washington warned against them in his Farewell Address Soon, though, two groups formed in US w/ opposing ideas – parties existed ever since Federalists – wanted more authority w/ central gov’t Democratic-Republicans – wanted more authority w/ states

Purpose of Parties Nominate, organize & support candidates Unify voters Translate ideas into policies Influence current gov’t Provide loyal opposition

Party Systems Coalition gov’t necessary Multi-Party Coalition gov’t necessary Minor parties have reason to exist Proportional representation Gov’t tends to be instable Two Party Winner-takes-all system “wasted vote” syndrome discourages minor parties Gov’t tends to be stable Little real change in policy

Minor Parties Ideological Parties Protest Parties Single Issue Parties Splinter Parties Libertarian Party Green Party Reform Party 1. Third party that exists to promote an ideology rather than to win elections - The socialist parties, which have run candidates in virtually every presidential election in this century are ideological parties 2. Third party that arises in response to issues of popular concern which have not been addressed by the major parties - William Jennings Bryan of the Populist Party did not win the presidency in 1896, but he came very close 3. Third party formed around one particular cause – Examples: Prohibition Party, Green Party 4. Third party formed by a dissatisfied faction of a major party - Strom Thurmond was a States’ Rights Democratic candidate for the presidency in 1948. The party formed in protest to the civil rights plan in the Democratic Party platform 6

Democrats vs. Republicans Liberal (Dems.) Gov’t should promote social change to increase ppl’s well being. Change w/in existing political systems Conservative (Reps.) Gov’t stay out of lives of ppl & businesses, except on moral issues Favor status quo (keeping things the same)

Beliefs Democrats Moderates Republicans Change Tradition Probs due to society Probs are individual Gov’t should help solve probs. Gov’t should be less involved – ppl should solve own probs.

Issues Democrats Republicans Pro-choice Pro-life Flag burning No flag burning Gay marriage Heterosexual marriage Welfare Limit welfare Health care for all Private health care Environmental protection De-regulation School funding Vouchers Anti-discrimination Right to hire Gender equality Merit Pay Affirmative Action Competition Legalize Drugs Criminalize Drugs