1. Political Parties
SSCG8 The student will demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national elections.
Describe the organization, role, and constituencies of political parties.
EQ. 1. In terms of the organization of a political party, who controls a city, town or county committee?
2. What is a political party?
3. What is a party platform?
4. What are third parties?
Agenda:
EQs
Political Parties videos and worksheet
Homework: Complete any unfinished work for Friday
Local chairperson
Group of people with similar ideas and goals 3. 4.

2. What is a Political Party?
An organization of people
Share the same broad common interests
Members committed to party goals
Get candidates elected to office
Get laws passed to aid party goals
The party platform outlines a party’s principles, beliefs, and positions
EQ 2 & 3

3. Political Parties
EQ 1

4. Party Systems Party system types: U.S. Party System
Most countries have political parties 
Party system types:
One party: China
Two party: USA
Multi-party: Great Britain
U.S. Party System
Two major parties vie for office
Other minor parties exist
Major parties
Democratic party
Republican Party

5. Similarities of Major Parties in U.S.
All value personal rights, freedoms
Educational opportunities for all
Economic opportunities for all
Government duty- to protect nation
Preserve environment
Help citizens
Differences
Disagree on ways to meet goals
Example:
Democrats- government directly helps the poor
Republicans- government helps economy and poor get jobs

6. The Two Party System BENEFITS DISADVANTAGES Stabilizing
Keeps people near the center
Extreme ideas not supported by populace
Continuity
Government changes parties often
Transition is usually smooth
Minority groups left out
Ex.
Civil rights
Women's movement needed major party support
Third Parties rarely succeed

7. ONE PARTY SYSTEMS
MULTI-PARTY SYSTEMS
Party and government are almost the same.
Ex. China
One party’s members run for office
Head of government usually head of party
Party members recruit new party members
Party members given top government jobs
Three or more parties-
Ex. Japan, Israel, Great Britain
Advantages:
More voter choice
Disadvantages:
Voters divided
No party gets majority votes
Must form coalition government
Coalition may not work-
50 governments in Italy since W.W.II

8. Third Parties
challenge the two major parties because they believe that neither is meeting certain needs
rarely win major elections, have never won a presidential election
can effect the outcome of elections & influence policies
EQ 4