Theme: political parties

Purpose and functions of political parties in the U.S. Objective 6.5 Purpose and functions of political parties in the U.S.

recruit and nominate candidates Political parties… recruit and nominate candidates

educate the electorate about campaign issues Political parties… educate the electorate about campaign issues

help candidates win elections Political parties… help candidates win elections

monitor actions of office holders Political parties… monitor actions of office holders

raise money for campaigns political parties…. raise money for campaigns

Similarities and differences of political parties Objective 6.6 Similarities and differences of political parties

both organize to win elections similarities both organize to win elections

both try to influence public opinion similarities both try to influence public opinion

both parties define themselves in a way that wins majority support by… similarities both parties define themselves in a way that wins majority support by…

…appealing to the political center (moderate) similarities …appealing to the political center (moderate)

both reflect certain (ideologies) views: liberal and conservative similarities both reflect certain (ideologies) views: liberal and conservative

liberal moderate conservative __________________________________________ Democrat L M Republican M C What are most Americans?

differences the voter must read the platform to find out how the party views the role of government

Differences DEMOCRATS left Differences DEMOCRATS think that the federal gov’t should create and fund programs to solve problems

Differences DEMOCRATS increase taxes (maybe) to pay for the programs

Differences DEMOCRATS domestic programs are more important than giving foreign aid

Differences DEMOCRATS often get support from workers, unions, liberals, average income people

Differences REPUBLICANS right Differences REPUBLICANS think that states should create and fund programs to solve problems

Differences REPUBLICANS foreign policy is more important than some domestic policies

Differences REPUBLICANS often get support from businesses, conservatives, wealthy

Advantages and disadvantages of the two-party system Objective 6.7 Advantages and disadvantages of the two-party system

liberal moderate conservative __________________________________________ Democrat L M Republican M C What are most Americans?

Advantage: political stability

continuity in government Advantage: continuity in government

less opportunity to represent minority opinions disadvantage: less opportunity to represent minority opinions

Reasons for the formation of third parties Objective 6.7 Reasons for the formation of third parties

liberal moderate conservative __________________________________________ Democrat L M Republican M C What are most Americans?

failure of major parties to address popular causes and issues

introduce new ideas or push for a particular issue

revolve around a political personality (Teddy Roosevelt)