Political Parties Chapter 5

Political Parties An organized group of persons who seek to control government through the wining of elections and holding of public office Major Party- A party that has a reasonable chance to win public office Minor Party- Any political party that does not have this chance

What Do Parties Do? Parties nominate candidates - Pick “the best” from their party Inform and activate supporters, by trying to shape opinion

What Do Parties Do? Bonding Agent, make sure candidates do a good job once elected. Govern- Once parties are in power, they influence and establish policy.

Why Use A Two Party System? History and Tradition - The way it started, so why change it? American Values - Most Americans see their values and ideals represented in the two major parties.

Minor Parties Candidates representing minor parties are featured in the majority of political races at all levels. Draw attention to controversial issues ignored by major parties Though these candidates have very little chance of wining they can play the Spoiler Role

2000 Presidential Election 2000 Election Election Video

Multiparty Systems A system in which several major and many lesser parties exist, seriously compete for, and actually win, public offices. Pro – This system can better represent the varying types of people Con – There is no majority so parties have to team up in groups called coalitions Examples: Taiwan, Germany, Denmark, India, Indonesia, France, Kosovo and Israel

One Party Systems Seen in Dictatorships People are given no choice over what party to belong to because there is only one. Examples: China, Cuba, North Korea, Laos, Syria, Turkmenistan, and Vietnam

Joining A Party You register as a party member when you register to vote If you choose not to be a member of any party, you are called an Independent You can change your party at any time

Ideology The way you look at the world, politically The people of the United States are grouped into three categories There are other “fringe” ideologies present as well (not as common) – Socialist (far left) – Marxist (far far left) – Libertarian (far right) – Religious fundamentalist (far far right) Liberal Moderate Conservative

Liberal Characteristics – Desire progressive change in society – Main values: Idealism, Equality, Fairness, Personal Freedom – Examples: ACLU, Sierra Club, NAACP, NOW, labor unions, Dems – Pro-choice – Affirmative Action – Gun control – Progressive taxes (higher on rich) – Aid to the poor – Equal access to health care – Protecting the environment – Equal gay rights

Conservative Characteristics – Desire to keep things as they are, maintain the status-quo, change should be cautious and slow – Main values: Realism, Law and Order, Justice, Morality, Economic Freedom – Examples: Christian Coalition, NRA, Americans for Tax Reform, Republicans – Anti-abortion – Belief in private sector efficiency over the government – Free gun ownership rights – Cutting taxes, less progressive taxation – Cutting regulations on businesses – Immigration control – Increased military spending – Support traditional marriage

Liberal and Conservative IMPORTANT TO KNOW: People do not have to be strictly liberal on all issues, or conservative on all issues You can mix the two to form your own individual ideology We group them because certain viewpoints tend to naturally go together