1. Political Parties of the United States

3. Left vs. Right The United States has what many consider a two-party system The United States has what many consider a two-party system Democrats versus Republicans Democrats versus Republicans

4. The Democrats considered to be the “left” of the political spectrum considered to be the “left” of the political spectrum also called the “liberal” wing also called the “liberal” wing

5. Democrats Much of their support comes from the working class Much of their support comes from the working class Also comes from minorities Also comes from minorities

6. Well Known Democrats Former President Bill Clinton Former President Bill Clinton Congressman Richard Gephard Congressman Richard Gephard Former Vice-president Al Gore Former Vice-president Al Gore

7. What They Believe In Democrats traditionally believe in government regulation on business, affirmative action, environmental protection and lower taxes for the working class, higher taxes on the rich. Democrats traditionally believe in government regulation on business, affirmative action, environmental protection and lower taxes for the working class, higher taxes on the rich. Also are strongly in favor of the workers in businesses Also are strongly in favor of the workers in businesses

8. The Republicans Considered to be the “right” of the political spectrum Considered to be the “right” of the political spectrum Also called the “conservative” wing Also called the “conservative” wing Often supported by business owners and the wealthy Often supported by business owners and the wealthy

9. Republicans Often supported by big businesses Often supported by big businesses Also supported by the wealthy Also supported by the wealthy

10. Well Known Republicans Former President George H.W. Bush Former President George H.W. Bush Former President Ronald Reagan Former President Ronald Reagan Current Vice-President Richard Cheney Current Vice-President Richard Cheney

11. What They Believe In Republicans traditionally are in favor of gun ownership, a strong military and less governmental involvement in business Republicans traditionally are in favor of gun ownership, a strong military and less governmental involvement in business They believe that business owners should be able to make as much money as they can They believe that business owners should be able to make as much money as they can Are less concerned about the rights of workers Are less concerned about the rights of workers

12. Other Political Parties The Reform Party The Reform Party  More to the “right” then Republicans  Formed by H. Ross Perot in 1996  Considered to be very conservative  Appeal to older generations

13. The Green Party The Green Party  Considered more to the “left” then Democrats  Appeals to younger generations, college students  Ralph Nader ran for President in 2000 on this party’s ticket

14. The American Heritage Party Extremely conservative Extremely conservative Strong belief in the Christianity and religious beliefs Strong belief in the Christianity and religious beliefs Belief in a limited government Belief in a limited government Also belief in state rights Also belief in state rights

15. The Independence Party Mainly in state of Minnesota Mainly in state of Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura is a member Gov. Jesse Ventura is a member Moderate platform, with very little core beliefs Moderate platform, with very little core beliefs

16. The Libertarian Party Dedicated to free trade, civil liberties, and personal freedom Dedicated to free trade, civil liberties, and personal freedom Desire to go back to the principles developed by the “Founding Fathers”, such as non-intervention and peace among foreign nations Desire to go back to the principles developed by the “Founding Fathers”, such as non-intervention and peace among foreign nations

17. The Natural Law Party Fastest growing party in America Fastest growing party in America Desire is to bring science into politics Desire is to bring science into politics Education, Crime, Foreign Policy, Health Care, and the Environment are important to this party Education, Crime, Foreign Policy, Health Care, and the Environment are important to this party

18. The Socialist Party Believe in collective ownership by the people of all factories, mills, land and all other means of production Believe in collective ownership by the people of all factories, mills, land and all other means of production

19. Which Party is Right For You? Left or Right, which end are you on? Left or Right, which end are you on? Find out what you feel strongly about Find out what you feel strongly about Look for a party that believes just as strongly in the ideals that you believe in Look for a party that believes just as strongly in the ideals that you believe in Get involved in whatever political party suits you best Get involved in whatever political party suits you best

20. Vote Don’t let anyone tell you not to vote for a 3 rd party. Don’t let anyone tell you not to vote for a 3 rd party. It is not “throwing away” your vote It is not “throwing away” your vote Its your vote, use it whatever way you like Its your vote, use it whatever way you like