Political Parties
What is a political party? A group of people who seek to control the government through the winning of elections and the holding of political office. Joined based on common principles. Affect certain public policies and programs.
Political Parties in the US DEMOCRATS REPUBLICANS
What do political parties do? Recruiting Candidates / Nominating Candidates Informing & Activating Supporters / Educating the public Bonding Agent Governing Acting as a “Watchdog”
Why did the two-party system develop in the US? Historically Tradition Electoral System Ideological Consensus
The History of the Two-Party System in America Federalists—Before 1800; usually wealthy (Alexander Hamilton, John Adams) Era of the Democrats: Began as Jeffersonian Republicans (1800-1828), then became known as Democrats (1828-1860)—supporter of the “common man” (Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson) Whigs—1830’s-1850’s; only elected 2 Presidents; party opposed Jacksonian Democracy (William Henry Harrison, Zachary Taylor) Era of the Republicans (1860-1932)—mostly made up of former Whigs and anti-slavery Democrats; Abraham Lincoln elected in 1860; Republicans won most elections up until the Great Depression (Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Taft) Era of the Democrats (1932-1968)—began to use more government services to help end depression, end poverty, and work on Civil Rights (Franklin D. Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson) Ever since 1968, neither Republicans nor Democrats have consistently held the Presidency
4 Eras of Political Parties
Government Systems Single Party Two-Party System 1. Only 1 Party is allowed 2. Mostly in dictatorships 3. In reality, it’s a “no-party” system 4. Cuba is a good example. Two-Party System 1. Two main parties 2. Have other “third” parties, but have little influence.
Government Systems Two-Party System (continued) 3. Mostly found in democratic systems. Multi-Party System 1. Several major parties and many lesser parties. 2. Difficult to get majority 3. Found in European democracies
Minor Parties Ideological – based on a specific set of beliefs. - Communist - Socialist - Libertarian
Minor Parties Single-Issue Party – focus on only one public-policy matter. Free Soil Party “Know-Nothings” Right to Life Green Party
Minor Parties Economic Protest Parties – rooted or formed during periods of economic discontent. Greenback Party Populist Party
Minor Parties Splinter Parties – those that separate from one of the major parties. “Bull Moose” Progressive Party States’ Rights American Independence
State Central Committee representatives from the party’s county organizations. Helps elect the party’s candidates for the state government. Provides assistance to the local party. State Party Chair elected by state central committee. Fronts for the governor, a US Senator, or some powerful leader of group in the state. Work with the Central Committee to further the party’s interest in the state.