1. Development of Political Parties
What are they?
Why were they formed?

2. George Washington Warns Against Political Parties
"Let me...warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of Party..."
"It serves to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble the Public Administration.... agitates the Community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one.... against another.... it opens the door to foreign influence and corruption...thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another.“
George Washington Farewell Address, 1796
In this passage, George Washington speaks about political parties. How does Washington feel about political parties? Use words or phrases from the speech to support your opinion.
Why do you think Washington feels this way?
Based on the country today, was Washington correct in his believes?

3. What is a political party?
A group of people who share common views on the government and work to get candidate they support elected to office.

4. Political Parties
Political parties aren’t mentioned in the Constitution
The first 2 parties in this country were:
1. Democratic-Republicans-Thomas Jefferson
2. Federalist- Alexander Hamilton
Parties have changed names and views over the years.
Jefferson Hamilton

5. TWO-PARTY SYSTEM In the U.S. we have 2 major political parties-
Republicans (aka GOP-Grand Old Party)
Democrats
These 2 parties dominate politics and win major elections.
All smaller parties (not Democrats or Republicans/) are called third parties

6. TWO PARTY SYSTEM
Democrats
Republicans

7. Thomas Nast Cartoons

8. Thomas Nast Cartoon

9. THIRD PARTY 1. Hard to get enough support to win elections.
Many have influenced elections-Populist, Progressives.
Problems with 3rd Parties:
1. Hard to get enough support to win elections.
2. Harder to raise money, b/c there are fewer members.
3. No third party has ever won a presidential election, rarely win other elections.

10. Influence of 3rd Parties
Take votes away from 2 major candidates (ex. Ralph Nader, Green Party in 2000 Presidential Election)

11. INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES
A. Candidates who are not a member of a party.
B. People who often cannot get support from 1 of the main parties will run as an independent.
C. There are a couple of independents in the U.S. Congress

12. Political Parties Around the World
Political parties are found all over the world.
Not the same parties found in the U.S.
Ex.-Canada has 3 major parties, Germany has 5, etc.
The influence government in their own countries

13. HOW DO I KNOW WHAT THE PARTIES BELIEVE?
Many people do not know what the two parties favor.
Each party writes a PLATFORM.
PLATFORM-a series of statements that express a parties views, principles, and believes on election issues.
PLANK-is an individual part of a platform.
Ex.-Gun Control, War in Iraq, Social Security

14. Campaign for Candidates
Political parties raise money, volunteer to help candidates, help candidates get across their ideas, and most importantly-VOTE!!!
Inform citizens through campaign commercials, pamphlets, websites, and debates

15. PARTY PLATFORM WEBSITES