1. The Political Spectrum

2. Radicals Man are by nature, good and cooperative.
Focused on the idea of the perfect society.
Government can become corrupt and should never infringe on the rights of individuals
Concerned with equality
Willing to resort to violence or breaking the law to achieve goals

3. Liberals Part of our system
Capitalism is best but needs some reforms
Human rights over property right
Government should help those who cannot
Reform should take moderate means
Need a large federal government
Belief in Free speech
All rights for all people should be protected
Need government regulations
“Left Wing”

4. Moderates Made up of both Republicans and Democrats
More concerned about compromise
Tend to agree with issues of both liberals and Conservatives
Tend to find Political candidates from this area
Can be criticized for not doing enough at times

5. Conservative Part of our system
Society represents accumulated wisdom and presents a proven formula
Status Quo
Legitimate authority is needed
Oppose strong central government
Favors state rights
Good of majority over the minority
Favors cutting government programs
Should protect economic interests
“Right Wing”

6. Reactionary Fascism
The ideas of the past are the correct ones which we should restore today.
Communism is a direct threat to our society
Willing to use any means necessary to achieve goals – violence or breaking laws

8. The One-Party system: Truly a no party system. Ex. China
Exists in most dictatorships.
The government is simply an instrument of the party
Truly a no party system.
Ex. China

9. So many parties, so little time.
Multi-Party System:
Many parties based on religion, economic class, sectional attachment, or political ideology.
Unstable Coalitions must be formed.
ex. Germany (MOST European democracies)

10. The two-party system:
Two dominant political parties control most elections. Minor parties, if they exist get little or no portion of the electorate.

11. Why is there a two Party System?
The Historical Basis: The nation started out with two-parties: the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists.
The Force of Tradition: America has a two-party system because it always has had one. Minor parties, lacking wide political support, have never made a successful showing, so people are reluctant to support them.

12. What do Parties Do?
Nominate—Recruit, choose, and present candidates for public office.
Inform and Activate Supporters —Campaign, define issues, and criticize other candidates.
Act as a Bonding Agent —Guarantee that their candidate is worthy of the office.

13. Philosophy Democrats Republicans Liberal
Promote policies that represent new approaches.
Republicans
Conservative
Cautious about change.

14. Party Tendencies Republicans Democrats Urban rural
Change can only make things better.
No success in the status-quo.
Government can remedy problems
Regulation makes sure things are fair.
Taxes pay for public needs: schools, fire/police, social programs
Focus on Public
Republicans
rural
Don’t fix what isn’t broken.
State power over federal
Small federal govt.
Less regulation on business
Lower taxes = prosperity
Focus on Private

15. Questions to consider…
Who is the barber?
Why do the perceptions of the mom and dad differ?
Do these perceptions match today’s reality?

17. How do you think this may be different than 2004?
What about this election in 2008?

19. 2004

20. 2008

21. The Reality is not so black and white… or red and blue!

23. What is a Political Platform?
States the main ideas of the party
Explains why it was started, stance on main issues and current agenda

24. The Gerrymander http://www.redistrictinggame.org/
Census-Population Growth or Decline
Redraw districts
State Congress creates blue or red advantage

25. Party Types Factional (splinter) Parties Ideological Parties
Bull Moose, Reform
Ideological Parties
Libertarian, Communist
Single-Issue
Free Soil, Prohibition
Toga Parties
Power Parties
Democrats, Republicans

26. Minor Parties in the United States

27. Why are Minor Parties important?
Minor parties play several important roles:
“Spoiler Role”
Critic
Innovator

28. The Three Components of the Party
Party Components
The Party Organization:
Those who run and control the party machinery.
The Party in the Electorate
Those who always or almost always vote for party candidates.
The Party in Government
Those who hold office in the government.

29. More on the Future… For candidates:
Structural changes have increased conflict and disorganization within parties
Changes in the technology of campaigning, especially the use of television and the Internet, have made candidates more independent of the party organization
The growth of single-issue organizations provides candidates with another source of financial support