1. A Look at Political Parties in the United States
Party Time!
SS.7.C.2.8 Identify America’s current political parties, and illustrate their ideas about government.
SS.7.C.2.13 Examine multiple perspectives on public and current issues.
A Look at Political Parties in the United States

2. What comes to mind when you see:
DEMOCRAT
Write down the first three words that come to mind.

3. What comes to mind when you see:
REPUBLICAN
Write down the first three words that come to mind.

4. Questions for Discussion
In your group:
Share your list of words for each political party
Combine your lists into one master list for all of the terms your group members came up with (do not include duplicates)
Questions for Discussion
Where have you heard these terms before?
What made you think of a particular word in reference to a political party?
Discuss responses and keep a running list of words on display. Use questions for discuss to debrief.

5. Political parties are never mentioned in the Constitution.
Two Party System
The United States has what is known as a two-party system.
What does that mean?
This is a form of party system where two major political parties, more or less equal in strength and influence, dominate in elections at all levels.
Did you know:
Political parties are never mentioned in the Constitution.

6. Throughout History
Throughout the history of the United States, there have been two main political parties.
Remember the Federalists and Anti-Federalists??
Today we have the Republican Party and the Democratic Party
Freedom to create new parties exists, but the majority of voters believe their votes will only count when used to select a candidate from one of the two major parties.

7. Does that mean there are only two political parties?
Two Party System
Does that mean there are only two political parties?
No, there are many political parties in the United States
“Big 3” Third parties:
Libertarian Party
are 11 political parties identified in Florida on the Division of Elections web site. (2 Major Political Parties, 9 Minor Political Parties).
Green Party
Constitution Party
Click each logo to view the respective party’s platform on their website.

8. Role of Political Parties
Political parties are composed of individuals who share similar ideas about government.
Those within a party share similar views on:
The role of government
Foreign policy
Taxes
Military and defense
The economy
Healthcare
And many other topics…
Note: sometimes people may share views
of both parties on different issues

9. Party Animals? Democrats use a donkey as the symbol for their party.
The donkey was first used as a symbol of the Democratic Party by Andrew Jackson. He had often been called a donkey, as they are known for being strong willed.
Republicans use an elephant as the symbol for their party.
The elephant first came into use in the 1800’s when it was used in a political cartoon to represent the Republican Vote.
To see the cartoon, click HERE.

10. Political Parties Today
What function do political parties serve today?
Provide a forum to discuss public policies and issues with like-minded individuals and try to influence government
Establish a networking system where people can nominate candidates for office, raise money for candidates, and set up campaigns
Serve as an entry point for people to become involved in government
Give people a choice of candidates and programs
Serve as a connection between state and national government
Counter-point activity: what is the other perspective on political parties?

11. How does Your County Register VOTERS?
When people register to vote, they are asked to include their political party affiliation.
Which party has more members in your county? What do you think?
Click HERE to find out!

12. Registering to Vote IN FLORIDA:
Be a citizen of the United States of America;
Be a Florida resident;
Be 18 years old (you may pre-register to vote if you are 16 years old, but you cannot vote until you are 18 years old).
Not now be adjudicated mentally incapacitated with respect to voting in Florida or any other state without having the right to vote restored;
Not have been convicted of a felony without your civil rights having been restored; and
Provide your current and valid Florida driver’s license number or Florida identification card number

13. Where do you stand?
Using issues identified in the link below, see which candidate you align with as you explore the major 2016 campaign discussions.
USATODAY: Candidate Match Game

14. What do you think?
What do you think about our two party system? Is it working?
If you could create your own political party how would it be different from the choices we currently have?