1. When you see these images, what words come to mind?

2. two-party system: a political system dominated by two major parties

3. How did the two-party system begin?

4. Alexander Hamilton (1755-1804) Born into poverty in the British West Indies Orphaned at age 13 and went to work as a shipping clerk Attended King’s College in NY Served as an aide to Washington during the American Revolution Intensely ambitious and moved up in society quickly Had little faith in common people and sided with the interests of the upper class

5. Hamilton’s Views Strong federal government Fear of mob rule Republic led by well-educated elite Loose interpretation of the Constitution Wants a national bank (A bank controlled by the federal gov’t that prints money and handles taxes) Economy based on shipping/manufacturing

6. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) Southern planter, accomplished scholar, architect, inventor and founder of the University of Virginia Wrote the Declaration of Independence Elected governor of Virginia in 1779 Minister to France in 1785 Secretary of State for 1790 to 1793 Despite his elite background and his ownership of slaves, he was a strong ally of the small farmer and average citizen.

7. Jefferson’s Views Strong state and local governments Fear of absolute ruler Democracy of virtuous farmers and tradespeople Strict interpretation of the Constitution National bank is unconstitutional Economy based on farming

8. Who would support Alexander Hamilton? Who would support Thomas Jefferson? Think, Pair, Share

9. Those who shared Hamilton’s views were called Federalists. Those who shared Jefferson’s views were called Democratic-Republicans.

10. American politics has always been dominated by a two party system, but lots of other parties exist. Why do we still call it a “two-party system”?

11. Why has American politics always been dominated by a two-party system? o Tradition o Single-member districts: each district elects one person to represent it; encourages fewer, larger parties o Two major parties unite to prevent minor parties from becoming too powerful o Americans are not that different from one another ideologically

12. Third Party A political party organized as opposition to the existing parties in a two-party system. Third parties have popped-up consistently throughout history. They don’t often last very long, but they do influence the course of political history.

13. Type of 3 rd PartyCharacteristicsExample Economic Protest Party usually based on the economic interests of a particular region. Populist Party gathered support for Midwestern and southern farmers who felt taken advantage of by big banks and companies. Ideological Party profess broad political beliefs and values that are radically different from the mainstream. Communist party wanted to replace capitalism with socialism. Single-Issue Party goal is to influence one economic, social or moral issue; usually do not continue after the issue is resolved The main purpose of the Free Soil Party was to stop the expansion of slavery into the western territories.

14. In your opinion, does the two-party system adequately represent the American people?