1. Ideology or Party Ideology Party Liberal Conservative
These two ideologies fall on a spectrum
Democratic Party
Republican Party
All ideologies on chart have merit, as all seek to better society. Just becomes a question of how to do that
Party is a choice, and you can change parties. Also, parties change over time as they make compromises in order to win more votes.
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2. Parties: make promises. Will deliver us benefits if we elect them.
Parties: united by some common beliefs

3. My Ideology 100 Liberal Communitarian/populist Freedom vs Equality
Modern Dilemma
Liberal
Communitarian/populist
Gov’t promotes equality and freedom, above order
Emphasize civil rights and social welfare
Pro-choice
Anti-death penalty
Gov’t promotes order and equality with many laws and services
High taxes to pay for programs
Moderates
Swing voters
centrists 50
Gov’t promotes order and freedom, above equality
Emphasis on punishment and defense
Pro-life
Pro-death penalty
Maximize freedom by limiting gov’t
Low taxes, few services
Libertarian
Conservative 50
100
Freedom vs Order
Original Dilemma

4. Two-Party System
How do American elections and American political parties affect one another?
Why are there just two parties that win in American Politics? What are some effects of America’s two- party system?

5. Causes of a Two-Party System
Why just 2 parties in such a diverse nation?
Tradition
Electoral System (SMDP, winner-take-all)
cgp grey first past the post
Cause of 2 party system: our electoral system of winner-take-all, single-member district plurality + tradition of two parties from beginning of US history
Positives: forces consensus and compromise, makes politics clearer,

6. With partner
Discuss how using a winner-take-all (plurality) system leads inevitably to having just 2 parties. Then write 2- 3 sentence explanation in your notes.
Brainstorm a list of effects that having only 2 parties (not 3 or more) has on our country.

7. Effects of Two-Party System
A. Apathy, lack of political efficacy
B. Compromise between diverse groups in the population

8. C. Moderation of the parties

9. Effects of Two-Party System
D. Simplifies options E. Winner secures a majority (generally/mostly)

10. 3rd Parties/Minor Parties
May exist: Democracy and 1st Amendment
4 kinds
Ideological party: party based on ideology (Libertarian party)
Single-issue party: party formed around one issue or topic
Economic protest party: party born out of economic problems
Splinter party: party that formed by splitting off of a major party (Tea Party Republicans)

11. What can Minor Parties do in a Two-Party system?
Political Outlet
Spoiler Effect
Changes a party
Even if you don’t like the major parties, a 3rd party gives you some voice and way to participate.
Votes are taken from the party most like your minor party, thereby helping the party you oppose more.
Put pressure on one of the major parties to adopt your issue.

12. Walk around room Write Name of party Read about the party
Decide with type(s) of third party it is and record

13. What are the causes and effects of America’s two-party system?
Write the Summary
Our electoral system leads inevitably to just 2 parties dominating politics in America. This means that the parties unite people and are very moderate or similar to one another. Nevertheless, there are still minor parties that play a small role in American politics.
What are the causes and effects of America’s two-party system?

14. *The Parties in Primary and General Elections
Primary Election
General Election
The election within a party to select its candidate for the general election.
It selects the party’s nominee.
Election for office, between the Republican and Democratic nominees.
It selects the winner who will have the office
So, how will this affect the policies that parties focus on and promote?