1. Political Parties

2. Political Parties
An organization that tries to elect its members to public office so that its views can become public policy

3. Ideology – is the social and political program that set’s one party apart from others
Political Platform

4. Democrats are considered liberal
Political Spectrum- the continuum of social and political beliefs that stretches from conservative on the right to liberal on the left.
Democrats are considered liberal
Generally support Government action to change social, political, economic policies
Republicans are considered conservative
Generally support limited Government , lower taxes, and “traditional” social values

5. 3 Main Roles of Political Parties
Nominating Candidates for office
Assisting the electoral process
Position on all major issues
“Brand name”
Help inform voters
“Watch dogs”
Helping to operate the government

6. 4 Eras of Political Parties
Era of Democrats:
Era of Republicans:
Era of Democrats:
Era of Divided Government: 1968-Present
The Republicans have controlled the Presidency, while most often the Democrats have controlled Congress

7. Third Party Can be any party other than the main 2
An independent candidate is a candidate not associated with any party