1. Political Parties

2. I. Party Systems
Political party – group of people with similar beliefs who try to win elections and control policy
Single party
AKA: oligarchy
Ex: N. Korea, Cuba, Iran (theocracy)
Multiparty – many parties with specific issues
Parties have to join to form coalitions
Ex: many countries in Europe
Two party
Two main parties
Ex: United States

3. II. Democrats Platform (major ideas) Strongholds Constituency
Government (especially the federal) solutions to problems
Economy
Poverty
Social justice
Greater international cooperation in foreign relations
Socially liberal policies (pro-choice, same-sex marriage, etc.)
Environmental issues
Strongholds
Northeast, west coast
Constituency
City dwellers
Minorities
Union workers
Academics/artists

4. III. Republicans Platform Strongholds Constituency
Private solutions to problems (less government)
Favor state government
Conservative social policies (pro-life, traditional family values)
Usually favor a stronger military
Strongholds
Southeast, Midwest
Constituency
Rural
Conservatives (people who like traditional ways
Business leaders
Military

5. IV. Minor (3rd) Parties Types
Single issue – concerned with a particular topic (ex: Green Party)
Ideological – promoting a certain political ideology (ex: Communist Party USA)
Splinter Party – split from a major party (ex: Bull Moose Party in 1912)
Impact – 3rd Parties rarely win elections, but:
Bring attention to issues
“Take” votes from major party candidates
(ex: 1912 election – TR took votes from Taft (R) and Wilson (D) won)
Obstacles
Getting on the ballot is difficult
Issues get absorbed by the major parties
Lack of broad appeal
Hard to raise money

6. V. Function of Parties
Recruiting Candidates – finding/promoting people to run for office
Educating the Public
Providing information about issues (websites, mail outs, etc.)
Simplifying elections – help to determine unknown candidates’ position through party identification
Operating the Government
Party members hold office and make/enforce policy
Positions are awarded to party members
Loyal Opposition – keep the party in power “honest” by providing criticism and running against incumbents
Reduce Conflict
Multiple parties force compromise
Peaceful transfer of power

7. VI. Nominating Candidates
Nominating candidates is a party function but state laws govern how parties may do this.
Caucus – candidates chosen in a private meeting of party leaders (least democratic)
Convention – candidates chosen in an open meeting of elected delegates (more democratic)
Primary Election – candidates chosen by vote of the people
Closed – only party members may vote
Open – anybody may vote but only for one party’s candidates

8. VII. Reaction to Parties
Membership
Formal members - actually part of the party
Informal - believe in the ideas and vote for the party but not actually a member
Disillusionment
Some do not see much of a difference in the parties
Some feel their vote “doesn’t count” (gerrymandering)
Some feel neither party represents their interests
Two responses
Don’t vote
Turn to third parties