___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ APK: Activation of Prior Knowledge Write at least 2-3 sentences describing a time when… You selected someone to do something for you who said all you had to do was “trust him/her.” Questions of the Day What is the purpose of a political party? How do political parties provide American citizens with choices?

Political Parties Michael Quinones, NBCT

Key Vocabulary [ In your own words and to guide your learning based on what you learn, describe and explain the following terms ] Political party Political party Plank/platform Plank/platform Two-party system Two-party system Republican Republican Conservative Conservative Democrat Democrat Liberal Liberal Radical Radical Third parties Third parties Left wing Left wing Right wing Right wing Libertarian Libertarian

Political Parties A political party is a group of people with common ideas about how government should operate. A political party is a group of people with common ideas about how government should operate. The organization selects and supports people called candidates to win elections and run the government “their way.” The organization selects and supports people called candidates to win elections and run the government “their way.” Some political parties want government more involved in people’s lives. Some political parties want government more involved in people’s lives. Some political parties want government less involved in people’s lives. Some political parties want government less involved in people’s lives.

Two Party System The United States has a two party system which means there are two main political parties. The United States has a two party system which means there are two main political parties. The Democrats (Donkeys) The Democrats (Donkeys) The Republicans (Elephants) The Republicans (Elephants) Each political party has a different position called platforms or planks. Each political party has a different position called platforms or planks. These platforms or planks are the sets of ideas used to identify with voters to gain support for election. These platforms or planks are the sets of ideas used to identify with voters to gain support for election.

Republicans A.k.a. the Grand Ole Party [GOP]. A.k.a. the Grand Ole Party [GOP]. Their first and most important platform was anti-slavery. Their first and most important platform was anti-slavery. The Republicans’ first leader was Abraham Lincoln. The Republicans’ first leader was Abraham Lincoln.

Republicans The Republican party has recently come to represent different people. The Republican party has recently come to represent different people. Party is now considered conservative. Party is now considered conservative. Conserving the rights listed in the Constitution such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion and Due process. Conserving the rights listed in the Constitution such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion and Due process. Against government intrusion and high taxes. Against government intrusion and high taxes.

Republicans, Conservatism and the Right Wing There are different wings [sections] within the Republican party. There are different wings [sections] within the Republican party. The most extreme or radical “wing” or part of the party is called the right or “right wing.” The most extreme or radical “wing” or part of the party is called the right or “right wing.” Some of their ideas are considered extreme by some and normal by others. Some of their ideas are considered extreme by some and normal by others. The main concepts and ideas embraced by the right wing include: strong national defense, individual rights, limited taxation, pro marriage and anti-abortion. The main concepts and ideas embraced by the right wing include: strong national defense, individual rights, limited taxation, pro marriage and anti-abortion. Radio Host Michael Savage

Democrats Founded by Thomas Jefferson and changed after President Andrew Jackson came to office. Founded by Thomas Jefferson and changed after President Andrew Jackson came to office. For most of history the Democrats have been considered to represent the needy. For most of history the Democrats have been considered to represent the needy. More government intervention and public assistance. More government intervention and public assistance. This is considered to be liberal. This is considered to be liberal. Liberal means for government to get more involved into peoples’ lives with laws and control. Liberal means for government to get more involved into peoples’ lives with laws and control.

Democrats and Liberalism There are different wings [sections] within the Democratic party. There are different wings [sections] within the Democratic party. The most extreme or radical “wing” or part of the party is called the Left or “Left wing.” The most extreme or radical “wing” or part of the party is called the Left or “Left wing.” Some of their ideas are considered extreme by some and normal by others. Some of their ideas are considered extreme by some and normal by others. The main concepts and ideas embraced by the left wing include: wide government regulation, pro- choice, same sex marriage, government support for low income citizens. The main concepts and ideas embraced by the left wing include: wide government regulation, pro- choice, same sex marriage, government support for low income citizens. President Barack Obama

Third Parties When Democrats and Republicans “screw up” or do a “bad job” it creates chances for others. When Democrats and Republicans “screw up” or do a “bad job” it creates chances for others. John Anderson, Ross Perot and Ralph Nader have made serious runs at political office. John Anderson, Ross Perot and Ralph Nader have made serious runs at political office. They usually only receive small support. They usually only receive small support. Votes for them sometimes called protest votes. Votes for them sometimes called protest votes. Reform Party-Created to “fix” problems made by Democrats and Republicans. Green Party-Created to support issues about protecting the environment. Libertarian-Created to support efforts to limit the power and control of federal and state government over citizens.

Assignment: Party Platform Project Research the party platform or planks within the platform. Research the party platform or planks within the platform. Decide if you agree or disagree with whether the ideas in the platform/plank is going to help the country and its citizens. Decide if you agree or disagree with whether the ideas in the platform/plank is going to help the country and its citizens. To express your views or opinion do one [1] of the following for credit: To express your views or opinion do one [1] of the following for credit: [a] write and deliver a speech including your detailed, supported opinion [at least one side of a page] on at least one of the party’s planks. [b] write a letter to a specific political party addressing your concerns about their platform/planks [at least one side of a page] [c] create your own platform/plank for a start up (new) political party of your own with its own name [at least one side of a page] Political Party Websites  Democratic  Republican  Libertarian [a] write and deliver a speech including your detailed, supported opinion [at least one side of a page] on at least one of the party’s planks. [b] write a letter to a specific political party addressing your concerns about their platform/planks [at least one side of a page] [c] create your own platform/plank for a start up (new) political party of your own with its own name [at least one side of a page] Political Party Websites  Democratic  Republican  Libertarianhttp://  Green  Greenhttp://

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