1. Parties, Interest Groups, and Public Policy The Man, The Myth, The Mystery, The Mr. Rhodes

2. Question Are political parties and interest groups good for a democracy?

3. What Do Political Parties Do in a Democracy? Parties recruit candidates and support campaigns. –Need good people to run for their party. Parties help organize elections and inform voters. –Promote voter interest and participation. Inform voters….of their side. Parties organize the government. –In Congress the majority party appoints positions.

4. What Do Political Parties Do in a Democracy? Parties unite diverse groups and make collective action possible. –Diverse groups of people can unite under one cause. Parties serve as a loyal opposition to the political party in power. –Minority parties are always looking to gain control so they are constantly looking and waiting for the majority party to screw up.

5. Evolution of the Two-Party System ____________________________________1790 ____________________________________ 1810 ____________________________________ 1830 ____________________________________ 1850 ____________________________________ 1870 Federalist Democrats Democratic-Republicans National Republicans Whigs Republicans

6. Two Party System Today

7. Republicans v. Democrats in the 21 st Century

8. Size of National Government –Dem= Support a strong central govt. Look to it to solve a wide variety of problems. –Rep= Limit size of national govt., and give more power to the states. Taxes –Dem= Tax cuts for poor. Wealthy taxed more. –Rep=Broad based tax cuts to encourage economic growth. Regulation of Business –Dem=Regulate business to protect consumers, workers and environment. –Rep=Limited govt. involvement.

9. Republicans v. Democrats in the 21 st Century Social Issues –Dem=Support abortion rights and gun control laws. Oppose prayer in school. –Rep=Favor prayer in school, but oppose abortion and gun control laws. Minimum Wage –Dem=Favor increases in minimum wage to support poor famililies. –Rep=Oppose minimum wage increases. Too much govt. involvement in economy.

10. Third Parties TypeExample From U.S. History Single Issue Party-formed to oppose or promote one issue. National Women’s Party Right to Life Party Economic Protest Party- formed to promote “better times.” Greenback Party Populist Party Ideological Party-formed by people commited to a set of beliefs. Socialist Party of America Libertarian Party Splinter Party- formed by people unhappy with a major party. Progressive “Bull Moose” Party States’ Rights “Dixiecrat” Party

11. Need to discuss moderates here and where they fit

12. Videos Video 1 Video 2 Video 3 Americans join all kinds of groups that reflect their interests. When those groups seek to influence government at any level they are known as special interest groups. Ex. National Rifle Association (NRA)

13. Interest Groups Are interest groups good or bad for democracy? –This up for you to decide What kinds of interest groups do people join? –People usually join groups that connect to their lives and govt. concerns. Why do people join interest groups? –Information and benefits. People also join because they agree with the groups overall goals.

14. Interest Groups How are interest groups organized and funded? –Most groups have an elected board of directors or trustees. Most groups also charge dues. The rise of Political Action Committees (PACs). –Brought on by campaign finance laws in the 70’s. New way to donate money to campaigns, How do interest groups influence policy? –Lobbying- attempt to influence the policy process by persuading public officials to favor or oppose action on a specific issue. Also use research, litigation, and grass roots mobilization.

15. Interest Groups What makes an interest group powerful? –Size and money, unity of purpose, effective leadership, information and expertise.

16. Public Policy Refers to govt. actions or programs designed to achieve certain goals. 1. Issue Identification Officials or the general public identify important issues 2. Agenda Setting Key issues are put on the agenda, showing that they are priorities 3. Policy Formulation Policy makers consider options and formulate policies to address issues

17. Public Policy 4. Adoption Officials debate and revise policies before they are adopted. 5. Implementation Govt. agencies implement and enforce the adopted policies 6. Evaluation Officials and interest groups decide if any changes need to be made