1. Political Parties

2. What is a political party?
A group of people who seek to control the government through the winning of elections and the holding of political office.
Joined based on common principles.
Affect certain public policies and programs.

3. Political Parties in the US
DEMOCRATS
REPUBLICANS

4. What do political parties do?
Recruiting Candidates / Nominating Candidates
Informing & Activating Supporters / Educating the public
Bonding Agent
Governing
Acting as a “Watchdog”

5. Why did the two-party system develop in the US?
Historically
Tradition
Electoral System
Ideological Consensus

6. The History of the Two-Party System in America
Federalists—Before 1800; usually wealthy (Alexander Hamilton, John Adams)
Era of the Democrats: Began as Jeffersonian Republicans ( ), then became known as Democrats ( )—supporter of the “common man” (Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson)
Whigs—1830’s-1850’s; only elected 2 Presidents; party opposed Jacksonian Democracy (William Henry Harrison, Zachary Taylor)
Era of the Republicans ( )—mostly made up of former Whigs and anti-slavery Democrats; Abraham Lincoln elected in 1860; Republicans won most elections up until the Great Depression (Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Taft)
Era of the Democrats ( )—began to use more government services to help end depression, end poverty, and work on Civil Rights (Franklin D. Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson)
Ever since 1968, neither Republicans nor Democrats have consistently held the Presidency

7. 4 Eras of Political Parties

8. Government Systems Single Party Two-Party System
1. Only 1 Party is allowed
2. Mostly in dictatorships
3. In reality, it’s a “no-party” system
4. Cuba is a good example.
Two-Party System
1. Two main parties
2. Have other “third” parties, but have little
influence.

9. Government Systems Two-Party System (continued)
3. Mostly found in democratic systems.
Multi-Party System
1. Several major parties and many lesser parties.
2. Difficult to get majority
3. Found in European democracies

10. Minor Parties Ideological – based on a specific set of beliefs.
- Communist
- Socialist
- Libertarian

11. Minor Parties
Single-Issue Party – focus on only one public-policy matter.
Free Soil Party
“Know-Nothings”
Right to Life
Green Party

12. Minor Parties
Economic Protest Parties – rooted or formed during periods of economic discontent.
Greenback Party
Populist Party

13. Minor Parties
Splinter Parties – those that separate from one of the major parties.
“Bull Moose”
Progressive Party
States’ Rights
American Independence

15. State Central Committee representatives from the party’s county organizations. Helps elect the party’s candidates for the state government. Provides assistance to the local party.
State Party Chair
elected by state central committee. Fronts for the governor, a US Senator, or some powerful leader of group in the state. Work with the Central Committee to further the party’s interest in the state.