1. Political Parties

2. What do you know about Political Parties?

3. Political Spectrum Radical/Communist Socialist Liberal Democrat Independent Republican Conservative Ultra-Conservative Reactionary Radical is the far left Most liberal Reactionary is the far right. Most conservative

4. Political Parties Group of persons who seek control of government through the winning of elections and the holding of public office Two major parties: Democrats and Republicans

5. Democrats usually are….. Liberal Pro-choice For quota systems Blue Collar Workers Against prayer in school Against school vouchers Less defense spending Tax cuts for lower class

6. Republicans usually are….. Pro-life Against quota systems White collar workers For prayer in schools For school vouchers More defense spending Tax cuts for the upper class

7. What Do Political Parties Do? Nominate Candidates Inform and Activate Supporters Ensures good performance of officeholders and candidates Govern Act as Watchdog

8. Why Do We Have a Two Party System? Historical Basis (Federalists vs. Anti- Federalists) Tradition- since we started out with two; it has just remained that way Electoral System- promotes dominance by 2 major parties Shared Ideas- people throughout time have shared the same ideas, basic principles, and same patterns of belief.

9. Minor Political Parties Ideological Parties- based on a particular set of beliefs. Ex. Communist & Socialist Single Issue Parties- concentrate on only one public-policy matterEx. Free Soil Party- opposed slavery. Economic Protest Parties- want better economic times. Ex. Greenback Party- 1876- appealed to struggling farmers. Splinter Parties- Split away from the major parties. Ex. Bull Moose Progressive Party- Theodore Roosevelt- 1912.

11. How many people know what political party you would be affiliated with if you had to decide today? How many people know what political party you would be affiliated with if you had to decide today? Why have you chosen that party? Why have you chosen that party?

12. Party Membership Patterns Family Family Major Events Major Events Economic Status Economic Status Other: Voting Behavior, Age, Place of Residence, Level of Education, and Occupation Other: Voting Behavior, Age, Place of Residence, Level of Education, and Occupation