What are they? Why do we have them? Political Parties What are they? Why do we have them?

Political Parties: groups of people who share similar beliefs about how the government should be run. Parties have more power than if a person acted alone Organized at every level of government (from national to local)

5 Roles of Political Parties Nominate Candidates - Select who will run for political office - Announce intent to run - Help win the election

2. Educate Citizens/Voters Present information on issues or beliefs through pamphlets, newspapers, radio, TV, speeches, conventions All information is biased and should not be a citizen’s only source of information.

3. Create Balance Majority: Having the most people as supporters; can set the agenda Minority: Having fewer supporters; must work hard to oppose the majority party. Want to be the political party that has the most members elected to office.

4. Influence on Policy Policy: Principles, rules, laws. Members of Congress, from each party, work together to create and pass laws that support their party’s platform. Platform: a set of simplified statements that explains a party’s beliefs

5. Unite Government Bring officials (on the local, state and national level) together to communicate about common goals.

How Many Parties Are There? Countries can have none to many political parties. The number of political parties is described as the party system.

MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE UNITED STATES DEMOCRATIC PARTY REPUBLICAN PARTY COLOR BLUE RED SYMBOL DONKEY ELEPHANT PHILOSOPHY ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT should be actively involved to improve the quality of life help achieve larger goals of opportunity & equality should have a limited role it is believed that by relying on businesses & individuals there will be improved economic production the larger goals of freedom & self reliance can be achieved

OVERALL- Basic Ideas Democrats: Want be able to have more laws/regulations you are required to follow Don’t believe in fighting. Talking/negotiation first. Last resort is fighting – and the United Nations gets involved Equality overall. Wealthy contribute more to help out the poor. (dinner example) Republicans: Want to tell you less regulations you are required to follow -leave more up to private businesses – not controlled directly by government Stronger military Businesses grow to provide opportunities for jobs to help poor.

The Economy and Taxes Republicans : Democrats : Tax system in which the wealthy pay a larger share than the poor trade agreements with other countries hurt American workers (make laws to protect American businesses) balanced budget/willing to raise taxes if needed Republicans : Tax cuts for everyone helps economy Believe in global trade/do not tend to protect US businesses from international competition against raising taxes even if it means a budget deficit

National Defense and Security Democrats Tend to cut the military budget Avoid American military intervention unless supported by the United Nations Slow to go to war Republicans Strong military and are willing to pay for it with government money Confronting American enemies with or without UN support Using military intervention when American interests or security is threatened

Entitlements- Welfare, Medicaid, Social Security, Health Care Democrats: Universal safety net (health care, education, welfare, food stamps) for the poor and others. Republicans : Limit or reduce the safety net for the poor. Private businesses and non-profit charities can provide the same services.

Crime and Punishment Democrats: Rehabilitation programs over long prison sentences for convicted criminals Against the death penalty Focus on rights of the accused Republicans: Prison sentences as a deterrent to crime For the death penalty Stiffer penalties for convicted criminals

Environmental Protection Republicans Favor fewer restrictions on businesses in the hopes that wealthier companies will be able to be more environmental Many do not believe global warming is a real threat Democrats Favor stricter regulations on businesses to protect the environment Believe global warming is a real threat

Energy Policy Democrats Focus on researching alternative energy sources for the future Republicans Focus on securing existing energy sources for the present and future

Values- Same Sex Marriage and Civil Rights Laws Democrats: Tend to support the right for same-sex couples to marry Republicans: Tend to oppose the right for same-sex couples to marry

Education Democrats: Republicans: Oppose using tax money for school choice (vouchers and charters) Republicans: Favor using tax money for school choice (vouchers and charters)

Immigration Democrats Favor looser immigration laws Some favor “Amnesty” for illegals already in the country Republicans Favor stricter immigration laws Some favor punishment or deportation for illegals already in the country