Before we begin, please do the following: On the RIGHT PAGE next to the “Third Parties Are Not Minor, They Matter!” write this: – “Chapter 5, Section 3 Questions” – This is homework. Answer questions 1-5. Next, flip to the next blank right and left matching page. Glue in the handouts I will give you. I have marked them so you know which ones go together.

Functions of Political Parties

Nominate Candidates Select candidates who will run for political office Parties choose a candidate based on who they believe will represent their party’s platform the best Candidate represents the party members and help to spread the party’s message during elections

Inform and Activate Citizens Party tries to present information to the public to try to get support and votes They campaign for their candidates, take stands on various social, economic, and foreign issues Each party tries to inform the public and persuade people that THEIR solutions are the best Party’s select what information to spread in order to gain support and portray candidate’s in a favorable light Very partisan in how political parties inform public A political rally during President Barrack Obama’s 2008 Presidential campaign. This rally was held in Massachusetts.

Unite Diverse Interests People in the same political party are connected because they are members of the same organization Most members of the government on the local, state, or national level are party members These members at various levels of government try to achieve a big goal for the party

Act as Watchdogs It criticizes the policies and behaviors of the opposing party Party out of power plays the important role of “loyal opposition” Party who is in power, typically of Executive Branch, can come under a lot of fire from the opposing party Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fl.), gives the Republican Party response to President Obama’s State of the Union Speech. Here he provided criticisms of the President’s goals for the United States.

Govern & Influence Policy Members of the Senate & House of Representatives are members of political parties In theory, members of Congress are supposed to work together to write and pass laws. However, many focus on laws that just support their party’s platform People in each party want laws that reflect their party’s platform = reflect their party’s goals and beliefs The laws Congress pass affect the policies of our government Then Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca.) and Senator Harry Reid look on as President Obama signs the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) into law.

Act as a “Bonding Agent” Typically, the word “bond” means to protect a person or company against a loss Political parties work carefully to pick candidates that are of good character and judgment. Democracy also holds candidates accountable. If a politician does not perform well, they will not get re-elected and both the individual and the party will suffer. Former Governor of Virginia was recently indicted on federal corruption charges. Because of these criminal charges, it hurt his party’s chance at winning the 2014 gubernatorial election in Virginia. It also makes it HIGHLY unlikely the Republican party will ever nominate him for public office again.

DUE NEXT CLASS: Chapter 5, Section 3 Questions 1-5 These questions involve third parties!