Political Parties SSCG8 The student will demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national elections. Describe the organization, role, and constituencies of political parties. EQ. 1. In terms of the organization of a political party, who controls a city, town or county committee? 2. What is a political party? 3. What is a party platform? 4. What are third parties? Agenda: EQs Political Parties videos and worksheet Homework: Complete any unfinished work for Friday Local chairperson Group of people with similar ideas and goals 3. 4.

What is a Political Party? An organization of people Share the same broad common interests Members committed to party goals Get candidates elected to office Get laws passed to aid party goals The party platform outlines a party’s principles, beliefs, and positions EQ 2 & 3

Political Parties EQ 1

Party Systems Party system types: U.S. Party System Most countries have political parties  Party system types: One party: China Two party: USA Multi-party: Great Britain U.S. Party System Two major parties vie for office Other minor parties exist Major parties Democratic party Republican Party

Similarities of Major Parties in U.S. All value personal rights, freedoms Educational opportunities for all Economic opportunities for all Government duty- to protect nation Preserve environment Help citizens Differences Disagree on ways to meet goals Example: Democrats- government directly helps the poor Republicans- government helps economy and poor get jobs

The Two Party System BENEFITS DISADVANTAGES Stabilizing Keeps people near the center Extreme ideas not supported by populace Continuity Government changes parties often Transition is usually smooth Minority groups left out Ex. Civil rights Women's movement needed major party support Third Parties rarely succeed

ONE PARTY SYSTEMS MULTI-PARTY SYSTEMS Party and government are almost the same. Ex. China One party’s members run for office Head of government usually head of party Party members recruit new party members Party members given top government jobs Three or more parties- Ex. Japan, Israel, Great Britain Advantages: More voter choice Disadvantages: Voters divided No party gets majority votes Must form coalition government Coalition may not work- 50 governments in Italy since W.W.II

Third Parties challenge the two major parties because they believe that neither is meeting certain needs rarely win major elections, have never won a presidential election can effect the outcome of elections & influence policies EQ 4