2. Political Party Members U.S. Two parties - general membership (both have other members) Democratic Party - working people, Catholics, minorities, union members Republican Party - business people, Protestants

3. Political Party Members What do party members do? Work to get candidates elected Work on Campaigns Inform voters of party platform Volunteer Political patronage- take over vacated government jobs

4. Political Party Members Volunteer to: Raise funds Stuff envelopes Make phone calls Post signs Arrange dinners and rallies Drive people to vote Get people to register to vote

5. Political Party Members Run local, state and national organization of the party Local Level Help to elect candidates at every level get elected

6. Political Party Members Run local, state and national organization of the party State: Work to get state and national candidates elected Work to get state laws passed for party

7. Political Party Members Run local, state and national organization of the party National: Raise funds for the presidential campaign Set up national convention

8. Political Party Members National Convention: Held every four years Select presidential candidate Select vice-presidential candidate Write out nation platform

9. Political Party Members Party platform: Statement of goals and issues Made up of planks Planks: position on each issue

10. Political Party Members Role of political party today: Select and support candidates Inform the public Carry the peoples message Act as watchdogs Serve as link for branches and levels of government