1. Political Parties

2. A. Political Parties
A group of people who join together to try to control government.
In the United States of America we have a two-party system.
The two current parties are the Democrats and Republicans

3. B. Conservative vs. Liberal
Political parties have the same goals.
Conservative parties try to preserve the status quo.
Liberal parties try to change the status quo.
The liberal & conservative nature of our current parties have changed over time.

4. C. Third Parties Usually play a “spoiler” role.
Elections of 1912, 1992, 2000
Their issues and roles are usually absorbed by a major party.

5. 2004 Electoral College Map

6. 2008 Electoral College Map

7. D. More Likely to be a Democrat
Minorities
Rustbelt resident- Blue states
Women
Poor
“Blue Collar” Workers – hourly workers
Young
Jewish
Urban
Students

8. E. More Likely to be a Republican
Northern/Western European Ethnic Background
Suburban
Married w/children
Men
Wealthy
“White Collar” Workers – salaried workers
Old
Protestant- Evangelical
Sunbelt resident- South and West (Red States)
Highly educated