Political Parties Chapter 5 – Pgs. 60-75

Does our constitution mention political parties? A group of people organized to influence government through winning elections and setting public policy Does our constitution mention political parties?

What type of party system does the United States have? Party Systems One-Party System A political system in which only one party exists or routinely controls the government Two-Party System A political system in which only two major parties compete for control of the government Multiparty System A political system in which may parties exist and compete for control of the government What type of party system does the United States have?

Roles of Political Parties Getting Out Information Publicize points of view Campaign for candidate Criticize opponent Public develops opinions about society’s problems Running the Government Legislatures= organized by party affiliations Think of party’s position when voting Recruiting & Labeling Selecting candidates Help voters identify a candidate’s political views Acting as Watchdogs Minority = critics Majority = Monitor party in power

Influence of Parties in the U.S. The Parties & Voters How do you join a political party? Independent: a voter who does not belong to or consistently support one of the main political parties Party Organization Top-down decision-making vs. bottom up decision-making Grassroots: people at the local level; average voters, not professional politicians The Party & Government Senate & House of Rep. – majority party leads legislative process vs. minority party (must pay attention to party politics if they want success)

America’s Two-Party System Why does the U.S. only have two parties?

America’s Two-Party System Historical Influence Tradition Federalist vs. Anti-Federalists American Political Beliefs and Values Consensus – collective opinion, general agreement Winner-Take-All System An electoral system in which the person with the most votes wins; no majority is needed Winner only needs one more vote than opponent Single-member district: an electoral district in which only the one candidate with the most votes is elected to office

One or two-party system in the United States? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiEt6703L1o

The History of Political Parties in American History

The First Party System 1796-1828 Alexander Hamilton, co-founder of the Federalist Economic stability = national bank Strong central government Thomas Jefferson, James Madison & James Monroe Anti-federalists Democratic-republicans (later) States’ rights & state banks

The First Democratic Era 1828-1860 Election of 1828 – Thomas Jefferson Democratic party formed Elevate opportunities for “ordinary citizens” Eliminate privileges for the elite Who nominates president? Opposition Party: the Whigs Henry Clay & Daniel Webster North vs. South

The Republican Era 1860-1932 Republicans – 1850s anti-slavery party Candidate: Abraham Lincoln, election of 1860 Civil War South = democratic North = republican History of Republican Party: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj0vzAuHqPk Sarah Palin Meets Abraham Lincoln: http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=0c0_1309659867

The Second Democratic Era 1932-1968 Great depression Republican party down, Democratic party up President Franklin Roosevelt (D) – 1932 New Deal Coalition – help country recover Help labor, the working classes & minorities President Lyndon Johnson (D) President Dwight Eisenhower (R) Democrats control Congress and dominate state & local elections

The Era of Divided Government 1968-Present Civil Rights Democratic party = pro-civil rights Lose southerners to Republican party The Vietnam War Divided government President Jimmy Carter (D) President Bill Clinton (D) Split ticket: a vote for candidates of more than one party in the same election Difference between Republicans and Democrats: http://www.comedycentral.com/video-clips/kau3gg/comedy-central-presents-lewis-for-president Daily Show’s Take on Republicans: http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-august-22-2011/the-correspondents-explain---political-parties---the-republican-party Daily Show’s Take on Democrats: http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-august-22-2011/the-correspondents-explain---political-parties---the-democratic-party

The Present (2013) President: Barack Obama (Democrat) Governors: 30 Republicans 19 Democrats 1 independent Senate: Democrat (53) Republican (45) Independent (2) House of Representatives Democratic (200) Republican (232) Vacant (3)

Congress House Leadership (current) Republican Party Democratic Party Majority Party Minority Party

Party Control of Governor’s Offices (2013)

Results of the United States House of Representatives elections Results of the United States House of Representatives elections. November 6, 2012.    Democratic hold, Democratic pickup, Republican pickup, Republican hold

United States House of Representatives (November 6, 2012)

United States Senate (November 6, 2012)

Libertarians What is a Libertarian? Individual liberty: especially of thought and action. Personal Responsibility Strongly oppose any government interfering in their personal, family and business decisions Americans should be free to live their lives and pursue their interests as they see fit as long as they do no harm to another. In a nutshell: smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom. Are Libertarians liberal or conservative? Neither Advocate freedom in economic matters Socially tolerant

What does the term “Tea Party” mean? The Tea Party movement is: American political movement that advocates strict adherence to the United States Constitution Reducing U.S. government spending and taxes Reduction of the U.S. national debt and federal budget deficit

Liberals v. Conservatives cont’d Philosophy Liberal Conservative Traditionally strong in states: California, Massachusetts Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas Symbol: Donkey Elephant Color: Blue Red Founded in: 1824 1854 Website: www.democrats.org www.gop.com Senate Leader: Harry Reid Mitch McConnell Chairperson: Debbie Wasserman Schultz Reince Priebus Famous Presidents: Franklin Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter Teddy Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Abraham Lincoln, Richard Nixon

Liberals v. Conservatives Philosophy: Liberal Conservative Economic Ideas: Favor minimum wages and progressive taxation i.e. higher tax rates for higher income brackets. Believe taxes shouldn't be increased for anyone (including the wealthy) and that wages should be set by the free market. Stand on Military issues: Decreased spending Increased spending Stand on gay marriage: Support (some Democrats disagree) Oppose (some Republicans disagree) Stand on abortion: Should not be made illegal; support Roe v. Wade (some Democrats disagree) Should not be legal; oppose Roe v. Wade (some Republicans disagree) Stand on Death penalty: While support for the death penalty is strong among Democrats, opponents of the death penalty are a substantial fraction of the Democratic base. A large majority of Republicans support the death penalty. Social and human ideas: Based on community and social responsibility Based on individual rights and justice