1. Liberals and Conservatives

2.  Nominating candidates  Help selects who runs for office  Process screens people for best candidate  Informs the public  Publicizes issues they believe are important  Reach voters through TV, internet, pamphlets etc  Acts as a watchdog  Parties keep an eye on each other because they want to win  Will happily report any wrongdoings, problems, etc… about the other party.  They know the other party watches them.

3.  Called “the left”.  Favors expanding the government and govt regulation.  Often focuses on domestic issues: Social Progress = Improving society  Favors quicker changes.  Often:  pro-choice  Defends entitlements  Gun control  Stronger environmental protection  Open to personal life choices (gay marriage, legalize drugs)

4.  Called “the right”  Historically favored limited government: less spending.  Believe people should help themselves or others before the government.  Resist changes. Favor tradition and established values.  Often religious views influence political involvement.  Usually supports:  Pro life (anti-abortion)  Less gun control  Restricting personal behavior deemed immoral.  The death sentence  Less taxes

5.  In the middle  Supports a variety of liberal and conservative views.  More open to compromise.  Majority of Americans claim this description.