Chapter 18.1 Role of Political Parties Political parties –Organized groups that seek to influence how the government is ran. –Question: Were there always political parties in America?

In the beginning… –During the Constitutional Convention, the Founding Father’s started to divide themselves already. Federalists –Believed in strong federal government Anti-federalists –Believed in strong state governments –Question: Who should become POTUS? –Federalists vs. Antifederalists

A Father for the New Country 1789 –George Washington becomes the 1 st POTUS. –Why? He was neither Federalist or Antifederalist “I’m just a General doing my civic duty for my country”.

Role of POTUS Washington and Political Parties Pres. Washington hated the idea of political parties. –Believed they would divide the nation and “kindle animosity of one part against another” –How do you keep this from happening?

Pres. Washington’s Cabinet Pres. Washington hired both federalists and antifederalists to become his Cabinet members. –Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson (Antifederalist) –Sec. of Treasury Alexander Hamilton (Federalist)

Washington’s Farewell… 1796 –Pres. Washington is done with his 2 nd term. –Wants to retire and go home to Mt. Vernon –Gives final ‘farewell address’ to public Warns them to not allow political parties to develop. –So, what happens next?

Election of 1796 John Adams –Federalist Thomas Jefferson –Antifederalist John Adams wins! –However TJ becomes VP Next 4 years, nothing gets done….

Functions of Political Parties 1.Assisting the electoral process 2.Organize day to day running of government 3.Makes it easier to pick candidates

Assisting the Electoral Process Political Parties #1 goal = WIN ELECTIONS! –How do you win elections? Get voters to elect your people! –Therefore, you must help the electorate get registered to vote. The body of people entitled to vote

Assisting the Electoral Process Political Parties help people identify politicians that share common beliefs –Democrats Large active government Environmental friendly Socially driven ideas –Republicans Small government that stays out of the way Low taxes Rugged individualism –Do for yourself. The rest will take care of itself.

Organizing the Government Who makes laws in our land? –CONGRESS!!! How is Congress leadership picked? –According to which political party is: Majority (Democrats) –Pick leaders of House and Senate committees »Nancy Pelosi, Robert Byrd Minority (Republicans) –Get what is left

Organizing the Government Executive Branch –POTUS usually appoints people who are from his party or share his beliefs. –Which positions can he fill? Executive Staff Cabinet Members Supreme Court justices

Has Pres. Obama used this power? Yep. –Sec. of State Hillary Clinton (Democrat) –Sec. of Defense Gen. Robert Gates –believes Afghanistan is more important than Iraq –Supreme Ct. Justice Sonia Sotomayor –Liberal –Represents minorities

Political Parties help nominate Candidates

Are there other types of party systems in the world? Yes… more tomorrow.