1. Political Parties
Chapter 10-1 Notes

2. What is a political party?
A political party is a group of people who have the same ideas about how our government should be ran.
The 2 major political parties in the U.S. today are the Democrats and the Republicans.

3. 5 Functions of Political Parties
Keeping citizens informed about the government.
Make sure public officials do a good job
Improve government by pointing out weaknesses in other parties
Select candidates to run for public office
Recommend programs and laws

4. Political Party Systems
1 Party: Usually found in totalitarian or communist states. Citizens have no choice in government.
2 Party: There are choices, but not overwhelming.
Multiparty: Can make government unstable.

5. Our first political parties
Federalists: People who supported a strong federal government.
Led by Alexander Hamilton
Democratic Republicans: People who favored strong state governments.
Led by Thomas Jefferson

6. How have political parties helped the United States?
We gained the Louisiana Territory from France.
We abolished slavery
We have granted Civil Rights to all citizens
Most importantly we’ve become the most powerful nation in the world