Development of Party Systems CIVICS—CHAPTER 9, SECTION 1 CE.5a and CE.5b Mr. Collins & Mrs. Kozlik

Functions of Political Parties 1—Recruit and nominate candidates for public office 2—Educate the electorate (voting public) about campaign issues 3—Help their candidates win elections 4—Monitor actions of officeholders

The Two-Party System Since 1860, two major parties have existed in American politics: the Republican Party and the Democratic Party These two parties share many similarities and yes, many differences Major differences are reflected in their platforms—party’s goals and positions on issues

Party Similarities Both organize to win elections They influence public policy Both reflect liberal and conservative views They both try to gain a majority of the American public’s support by appealing to the political center—where most people agree on issues (mainstream)

Party Differences The two major parties usually disagree on the following issues in their platforms: Taxes (tax wealthy vs. tax cuts) Civil rights (marriage laws/minorities) Government assistance (welfare) Education (public vs. school choice) Health (universal vs. individual care) The Economy (intervention vs. free mkt.)

Democrats vs. Republicans The 2 parties generally differ in their belief about how much the government should be involved in American lives Democrats: Govt. should be more involved in regulating the economy & provide for the poor Republicans: Govt. should have less involvement in regulating the economy. They should help the economy to grow, then poor people will be able to provide for themselves.

Donkey (Democrats) vs. Elephant (Republicans) Invented by Thomas Nast (political cartoonist Invented as a joke Eventually adopted as emblems for the parties

Advantages of Two-Party System 1—Stability: since both parties try to help or influence most Americans, radical practices of government are eliminated 2—Continuity: No matter if Republicans or Democrats are in power the transition between the two is smooth

Disadvantages of Two-Party Minority views held by smaller political parties are rarely given an opportunity to gain public attention

Other Party Systems Multiparty system—three or more political parties battle for power Common for parties to win by plurality—just more votes; not a majority One party system: party and govt. are the same thing—example: Communist Party in China

What about Third Parties? Introduce new ideas or press for a particular issue They are usually pushing a single issue, a political belief, or single candidate Third parties have never won a presidential election, but they have influenced outcomes and government in general

Third Parties in the Past: Prohibition Party (1872): ban alcohol The Populist Party (1890’s): farm and work reforms Progressive Party (1912): Theodore Roosevelt was it’s Presidential Candidate in 1912 Libertarian Party and American Socialist Party Independent H. Ross Perot (1992)

Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer. DFT1

Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answers. Checking for Understanding Define Match the terms on the right with their definitions on the left. __ 1. each individual part of a political party’s platform __ 2. a series of statements expressing the party’s principles, beliefs, and positions on election issues __ 3. a party that challenges the two major parties __ 4. a system of government in which two parties compete for power __ 5. an association of voters with broad common interests who want to influence or control decision making in government by electing the party’s candidates to public office E A. political party B. two-party system C. third party D. platform E. plank D C B A Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answers. Section 1-28

Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer. What do you think of the concept of a “nonvoters’ party”? What course of action is the cartoonist supporting? Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer. Time1

Possible answer: The cartoonist is using irony to remind citizens that they have the potential to wield political power–but that the only way to exercise this power is through voting. Time2