The Structure and Organization of Political Parties

What are the Functions of Political Parties? Political parties are organized groups of people who hold similar views about how government should operate. The parties attempt to influence government by electing candidates who share similar beliefs Basic values may be similar but not all members of a political party share the same beliefs. Factions, or divisions of the larger group, can sometimes form within a party

What are the Major Political Parties in the United States? The United States has a two-party system Democrats and Republicans are the two primary political parties Democrats are said to hold more liberal political ideology Republicans tend to have more conservative views

What are the Major Political Parties in the United States? Both parties try to appeal to as many voters as possible. As a result, they tend to adopt mainstream, moderate positions and avoid extremes. The parties are also similar because the American people generally agree about many issues.

What are the Types of Party Systems? One-party: A system in which one political party has the ability to win elections, and no other parties are permitted to have candidates in elections Examples: China and Iran

What are the Types of Party Systems? Two-party: A system in which two political parties have real ability to win elections Example: United States

What are the Types of Party Systems? Multi-party: A system in which three or more political parties have the real ability to win elections Examples: Canada, Germany, and Israel

Fears of our system……. Dangers of factions…. Factions or divisions Lack of choices Dangers of factions…. Factions or divisions Washington’s warnings….Jefferson and Hamilton

What are Third Parties? Third parties compete against the two major American political parties A third party has never won a presidential election and rarely wins other major elections. Third parties can influence the outcome of elections and may influence policy.

Advantages / Disadvantages Name a few that aren’t on the page.

Multi-Party System Plurality – With three + candidates - a party can win the election with a majorirty. Coalitions – control most multi-party systems Why unstable?

One Party System Little Freedoms Competition usually not allowed. Create a Venn Diagram outlining the three types of “Party Systems”. Create a compare and contrast chart between Republicans and Democrats.

What are Third Parties? Farmers and laborers formed the Populists in the 1890s. They called for the direct election of senators and an eight-hour working day. They did not win, but the two major parties adopted many of their ideas.

What are Third Parties? In 1912, former Republican president Theodore Roosevelt ran for president for the Progressives, or Bull Moose Party. He won enough votes away from the Republican candidate, William Howard Taft, that Democrat Woodrow Wilson won the election.

What are Third Parties? Some third parties arise to promote a social, economic, or moral issue. The Prohibition Party pushed for laws against the sale of alcohol. Single-issue parties fade when the issue loses importance or a major party adopts it.

What are Third Parties? Ideological parties focus on changing society in major ways. The Socialist Labor Party and Communist Party favor government ownership. The Libertarian Party wants more individual freedom. The Green Party opposes the power of corporations.

Stop Here…….

Spectrum of Political Ideology RADICAL----LIBERAL----MODERATE----CONSERVATIVE----REACTIONARY (Far Left) (Middle) (Far Right)

What is the Spectrum of Political Ideology? Radical: Ideology that embraces rapid changes in the structure of society Sometimes use extreme methods like violence or revolution Considered to be far left of the spectrum

What is the Spectrum of Political Ideology? Liberal: Ideology that supports political and social reform Expansion of federal social services-welfare Government intervention in the economy Efforts on behalf of the poor, minorities, women and the environment Liberals believe in equality

What is the Spectrum of Political Ideology? Moderate: Ideology shares viewpoints of both liberals and conservatives Tolerance of other’s views and do not hold extreme views of their own

What is the Spectrum of Political Ideology? Conservative: Ideology that supports the social and economic status quo and minimizing the power and control of the government Opposed to government regulations on businesses Value social positions such as school prayer Traditional family Oppose school busing Believe in liberty

What is the Spectrum of Political Ideology? Reactionary: Ideology that embraces ideas that focus on the past Often willing to use extreme methods Repressive use of government power Considered on the far right of the ideological spectrum

How do Political Parties Operate? Political parties have a formal structure National level Each party has a national committee made up of representatives from every state Holds a National Convention Establishes party rules Writes the party’s platform Party platform is a document that contains the philosophy, principles, and positions on issues Planks are individual topics within the platform

How do Political Parties Operate? Local level Most important level All voting takes place here Most volunteers work at this level Elections here affect people the most Grassroots movements Start at the local level Volunteers in the community give their time to support the local party which can lead to helping the national party.

How do Political Parties Operate? In the past, American parties operated as a political machine Promoted individuals with political ties instead of merit and abilities It is still not uncommon to use patronage and appoint supporters to government positions