Political Parties

Political Party A group of people who seek to control government through the winning of elections and the holding of public office Who are the major parties in the United States?

Functions of a Political Party Nominating Candidates – picking a candidate Informing and Activating Supporters – making people like that person The Bonding Agent Function – protect candidate and party Governing – public officeholders Acting as Watchdog – ‘the loyal opposition’; watch party in power

Two-Party System Political system in which two parties are dominant The United States has had a two-party system for most of its history President Washington warned against them in his farewell address, but it was already too late Who were the first political parties? Seriously.

Donkeys and Elephants Red and Blue standardized for GOP and Dems in 2000 election

Why Two Parties? History/Tradition: Because that’s the way we’ve always done it Electoral System: Most elections in the United States are decided by plurality (largest number of votes, not necessarily a majority) Ideological Consensus: It’s pretty easy to fit into one of the two groups FederalistsAnti-federalists Whigs Democratic- Republicans National Republicans RepublicansDemocrats

Other Political Systems Most other nations have multiparty systems System with multiple, strong parties Seen as more representative of different views; pretty confusing; frequent coalitions May be two-party systems with highly active third parties Ex. Britain, France, Germany Some have a one-party system System with only one party; Also seen as a “no party” system Ex. The USSR, China, North Korea

Other Terms Incumbent: current officeholder Consensus: Coming together or agreeing on a subject Coalition: Different groups or parties working together Bipartisan: Parties working together Public Policy: Goals a government sets and the actions they take to realize them Public Affairs: Issues and events that concern the public at large Who is the incumbent Governor of Texas? The Mayor of Austin? Governor Greg Abbott (R) Mayor Steve Adler

Minor (Third) Parties Four Types of Third Parties Ideological Parities: Particular set of beliefs. Ex. Socialist, Libertarian Single-Issue Parties: One Public Policy matter. Ex. Know-Nothings, Right to Life Economic Protest Parties: Economic discontent. Ex. Greenbacks, Populist Splinter Parties: Break-away parties. Ex. Bull Moose, Progressive, Dixiecrat Some, like the Green Party, started as one but now don’t really fit anymore Can play a “spoiler role”; ideas are often taken up by the major parties What are some issues that are important to you, Crockett, Austin, Texas, or the nation. What do you want to fix or change?

Party Descriptions Democrat:Socially and Economically Liberal Republican: Socially and Economically Conservative Libertarian: Socially Liberal and Economically Conservative Constitution: Right-wing Christian Nationalist Green: Eco-Socialist and Socially Liberal

Why Two Parties?

Exit Ticket Answer the following question: “Do you think that it would be better if the US had a multiparty system, or should it keep the two party system?” Explain your answer.