1. Topic 1 Political Parties

2.  Part 1: Political Spectrum / Ideologies  Part 2: Political Parties & the 2-Party System  Part 3: Minor Parties  Part 4: Party Organization / Grassroots Movements

3. 1. What is an ideology? 2. What is the political spectrum? 3. Where does each party lie on the spectrum? 4. What are some examples of the different ideological viewpoints towards issues? 5. Which side do you lean towards? Why?

4.  A set of specific ideas, attitudes and beliefs  Provides or advocates a coherent plan for social, political, or economic action

5. Left Wing Right Wing Liberalism Conservatism Centrism Democratic Party Republican Party Def. - term used to refer to the differences in ideology between major political parties

6.  Liberals believe the government should:  achieve equal opportunity and equality for all.  alleviate social ills and protect civil rights and liberties.  guarantee that no one is in need.  Liberal policies generally emphasize the need for the government to solve people's problems. The following classifications are general and do not apply to all liberals or conservatives.

7.  Conservatives believe in: ◦ limited government ◦ free markets (gov’t role in economy is limited) ◦ individual liberty ◦ traditional American values ◦ a strong national defense  Conservative policies generally emphasize empowerment of the individual to solve problems on their own.

8. Liberalism Conservatism Centrism More apt to change society More freedom regarding many social issues (pro-choice, gay rights) Fund social programs with taxes (welfare, social security) More diplomatic approach to foreign policy More traditional, less apt to change Government should step in and shape many social issues (pro-life, anti-gay marriage) Less tax money spent on social programs More forceful approach to foreign policy

9.  What is a political party?  What are the functions of political parties?  Why do we have a two-party system?  How do multiparty and one-party systems function and what are their influences on government?  What membership characteristics do American parties have?

10. A political party is a group of persons who seek to control government by winning elections and holding office. Parties can be principle-oriented issue-oriented election-oriented The American parties are primarily election- oriented

11.  Nominate Candidates - Recruit, choose, and present candidates for public office.  Inform and Activate Supporters—Campaign, define issues, and criticize other candidates.  Act as a Bonding Agent— Guarantee that their candidate is worthy of the office.

12.  Govern—Members of government act according to their partisanship, or firm allegiance to a party.  Act as a Watchdog— Parties that are out of power keep a close eye on the actions of the party in power for a blunder to use against them in the next election.

13.  The Historical Basis. The nation started out with two-parties: the Federalists and the Anti- Federalists.  The Force of Tradition. America has a two-party system because it always has had one. Minor parties, lacking wide political support, have never made a successful showing, so people are reluctant to support them.

14.  The Electoral System. Certain features of government, such as single-member districts, are designed to favor two major parties.  Ideological Consensus. Most Americans have a general agreement on fundamental matters. Conditions that would spark several strong rival parties do not exist in the United States.

15. Advantages  Provides broader representation of the people.  More responsive to the will of the people.  Give voters more choices at the polls. Disadvantages  Cause parties to form coalitions, which can dissolve easily.  Failure of coalitions can cause instability in government.

16. Types of One-Party Systems Example: Republican North and Democratic South until the 1950s. Modified One-Party Systems where one party regularly wins most elections One Party Systems where only one party is allowed. Example: Dictatorships such as Stalinist Russia

17. Family Occupation Economic Status Religion Major Events Age Factors that can influence party membership:

18.  What types of minor parties have been active in politics?  Why are minor parties important even though they seldom win?  What are some drawbacks of minor parties?

19. Splinter Party Example: “Bull Moose” Progressive Party Economic Protest Parties Example: The Greenback Party Ideological Parties Example: Libtertarian Party Types of Minor Parties Single-issue Parties Example: Free Soil Party

20. Minor Parties in the United States

21. “Spoiler Role”  They can pull decisive votes away from one of the major parties’ candidates. Critic  Minor parties, especially single-issue parties, take stands on and draw attention to controversial issues that major parties ignore. Innovator  Minor parties often provide innovative solutions to problems. If these proposals gain popular support, they are integrated into major party platforms.

22.  Why do the major parties have a decentralized structure?  How does the national, state and local party machinery operate?  What are the three components of the parties?  What are grassroots campaigns and how are they conducted?

23. Both of the major parties are highly decentralized and fragmented. Why? Party out of power lacks a strong leader. Federal system distributes powers widely, causing party decentralization. Nominating process pits party members against one another.

24. State and local party organization varies from State to State, but usually follow these general principles.

25. The Party in the Electorate Those who always or almost always vote for party candidates. The Party Organization: Those who run and control the party machinery. Party Components The Party in Government Those who hold office in the government.

26. Political movement organized and implemented mostly at local level Depends heavily on local involvement and volunteers

27. House Meetings / “Block Parties”Voter Registration DrivesPolling (Phone Calls / Door to Door)Fundraising http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/actionguide