Political Parties! Unit 5 Chapter 8

History of 2 Major Parties! Democrats: Established in 1780s as Anti-Federalist Due to opposition to a strong nat. govt. est. under US Constitution Change to Dem. Rep. by election of 1800, by 1828 just Democrats Major eras of domination w/critical elections: (pres., Great Depression & WWII era) (Congress) Republicans: Established in 1854 Its major reason for formation was abolition of slavery Major eras of domination w/critical elections: 1860 to 1884 (Civil War era) 1896 to 1912 (Progressive era) 1920 to 1932 (roaring twenties)

History of 2 Major Parties cont.… Democrats: Realignment 0f 1800: A coalition of small government, and state rights voters as Democratic Republican party defeat Federalists Realignment of 1828: Andrew Jackson wins with coalition of populist & southern voters Jacksonian Democrats drop Republican Realignment of 1932: A coalition voters wanting a strong nat. govt. with an active role put FDR & Democrats to work! Republicans: Realignment of 1858: of many anti-slavery parties & voters coalition of smaller parties rallying around Republican candidates Lincoln wins presidency & Republicans control Congress Realignment 1896: A coalition of voters for reform & change Lost due to split in election of 1912 Realignment 1920: Era of less regulation & unfettered capitalism

History of 2 Major Parties cont. Democrats: Since 1952 (Presidency) & 1994 (Congress), no real era to speak of Party ID as of 2014: 36% Dealignment since 1960s! Republicans: Since 1928, no real era to speak of Party ID as of 2014: 32% Dealignment since 1960s!

2 Major Parties & 6 Issues! Democrats: Immigration: supports a path to legalization for illegals immigrants that includes learning English & paying a fine Gun Control: support for some restrictions on ownership, states have right to regulate Republicans: Immigration: Focus on securing border with Mexico before considering other reforms, in favor of fence along the border Gun control: opposes gun control, opposes restrictions, believes 2 nd amendment gives full freedom

2 Major Parties 6 issues cont. Democrats: FP (Iran): will do anything to stop a nuclear Iran, willing to negotiate w/out preconditions, all options on the table Environment: for lowering carbon emissions, to lower all emissions by 80%, double fuel economy of vehicles Republicans: FP (Iran): for strong sanctions, willing to act militarily, preconditions with negotiations Environment: for less regulations and more business friendly rules, wants businesses to find ways on own to reduce, not for mandatory target rates

2 Major Political Parties 6 Issues cont. Democrats: Taxes: lower taxes for middle & working class paid for with higher tax on those above $250,000 Healthcare: for universal health insurance coverage for all with business either providing or contributing to cost Republicans: Taxes: for lowering tax rates for individuals & corporations, end loopholes & have everyone pay Healthcare: opposes any mandate for all to have insurance, for individual right to find and pay for own healthcare

2 Major Third Parties! Green: Established on 1960s & 1970s due to environmental issues w/many chapters around the world Really became a party for elections in US around 1980s Major party era/critical elections/realignment: Although not a real era, saw a major jump in # of voters & general support Ralph Nader had some success in 1996 & played role of spoiler in 2000 Libertarian: An idea born in 1950s with staunch conservatives unhappy with Republicans Became a party for elections in 1970s with real success in 2000s Major party era/critical elections/realignment: Mid 1990s to 2010 Although not a real era, saw a major jump in # of voters & general support Fred Taylor, Ron & Rand Paul are the national face of the party, although today they run as Republicans

2 Major 3 rd Parties cont. Green: Coalition: usually made up of independents, environmentalists (radicals), and those unsatisfied with progressive level of democratic party Type of 3 rd party: Single issue: started off Ideological: became to win elections Party ID: about 0.4% Libertarian: Coalition: made up of independents, nationalists, extreme conservatives (reactionaries), isolationists (Foreign policy) Type of 3rd party: Ideological: a more conservative govt. Little bit of splinter: mostly from Rep. party Party ID: 1-15% (depending on Rep. party)

2 Major 3 rd Parties & 6 Issues! Green: Immigration: for respectful treatment of immigrants & open to migration for work purposes Gun Control: for restrictions & regulations for all weapons & training and education for all those who allowed to carry Libertarian: Immigration: for open borders and free flow of immigrants into US and all parts of world Gun Control: for legit use of force in self defense of individual rights (life, liberty, property), against all laws against 2 nd amendment & all laws restricting making or owning weapons

2 Major 3 rd Parties & 6 Issues cont. Green: FP (Iran): cut back in international $$$ and focus internally on domestic issues, use UN more and follow international rule Environment: excuse me, we are the Green Party, what do you think? Libertarian: FP (Iran): US should only have a military to defend its borders, it should abandon its role as Policeman of the world Environment: we are for least govt. intervention, less rules & regulations & for businesses to address own needs through own actions

2 Major 3 rd Parties & 6 Issues cont. Green: Taxes: for a progressive income tax (higher % on those who make more & smaller % on those who make less), tax subsidies for those below poverty level Healthcare: for national health insurance, for single payer w/guaranteed treatment & medicine Libertarian: Taxes: End of income tax, abolishment of IRS, and all dept. not necessary for original purpose of govt., for balanced budget amendment Healthcare: for a free- market privately owned healthcare, responsibility of individual,