Political Parties

Political Parties

What is a political party?

A group of individuals with broad common interests who organize to nominate candidates for office, win elections, conduct government, and determine policies.

The two major political parties are:

Democrats Republicans

Political Party Functions

Recruiting Candidates:Find out which people have the best chance of being elected

Political Party Functions

Dispensing Patronage:Allowing for favors to reward party loyalty

This include government jobs, contracts, etc…

Political Party Functions

Educating the Public Bring issues to the public’s attention

Third Parties

Any party that challenges the two major parties

What impact do third parties have on elections?

They promote new ideas; if they gain support, the two major parties will pick up on their ideas

What difficulties do they face?Often don’t make it on the ballot of all 50 states

Often don’t have as much money to campaign