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Political Parties

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What do you know aboutPolitical Parties??

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Political Party

A group created to control the Government by

winning elections

A group joined together by common principles

Most of the time they are election oriented

Two Types

Major Political Parties (Democrats & Republicans)

Minor Political Parties (Green)

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What do Parties do?

The link between the Government and the

people

Bring conflicting groups together over

common ideals Unify people

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Functions of Parties

1. Nominating Candidates

Nominate and name people for public office

Promote candidates so they can be elected

Examples- Obama= Democrats

McCain= Republicans

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2. Informing and Activating Support

Campaigning

Stance on issues

Informing people about ideas about issues

Try to shape their position to attract the most votes

Examples- TV, Internet, mail, door to door,newspapers, magazines, yard signs, speeches,

and debates

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3. Bonding Agent

Ensure good performance of candidates

Choose candidates with good character and

those who are qualified

Prompts/Pressures candidates to perform well

and follow parties platform

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4. Governing

Those chosen to govern are usually done so on

the basis of the party

Practice partisanship= strong support for party,vote along party lines

Provide cooperation between the executive and

legislative branches

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5. Watchdogs The party Not in power watches and criticizes the

Party In Power

The party Not in power tries to convince thepeople to vote them into office

Examples- Obama and health careBush and Iraq

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Organizational Structure of a

Political Party

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Three Headed Giant

Political Parties #1 Goal

Try to have as many people involved in the

Government from their party as possible

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Party In Government

Individuals who have been elected to office

under a particular party

Examples

-President Obama

-Senator Pat Roberts

Smallest level of organizational structure

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Party As An Organization

Only a few members

Examples

-State and County Chairpersons

-Ward and Precinct Captains

Work for party year round

Recruit members and candidates

Participate in fund raising

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Party In The Electorate

People who identify with a particular party

People who vote (Public)

Anyone who is of the voting age

Largest element Includes the most people

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Why does the US have a two-party dominate political party

system?

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Why does the U.S. have a two-party system?

1. History and Tradition

The United States has always had two majorpolitical parties

Why change it?

2. Electoral Process

A. Single Member Districts One person is going to win the seat that is open in a

particular governing district

Only one winner

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3. Winner-Take-All Elections First to pass the post

The winner is determined by the candidate who

has the MOST votes (Plurality)

Many people believe voting for a 3rd party

candidate is a waste of time

Plurality= the most votes

Majority= over the votes

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4. State Laws

Every single State has a different procedure how

a candidate gets their name on the ballot

Experience, amount of $$, qualifications

Major parties usually have State organizations

pay their way onto the ballot (Political Parties)

Most 3rd parties dont have a strong party

organization to assist candidates

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5. The 5% Rule (Presidential Elections Only)

Federal Government has $$ set aside to fund

Presidential Elections

In order to receive the $$, a party must have

earned 5% of the popular vote in the previous

years election

Creates a disadvantage for 3rd parties

Why??

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6. Ideological Consensus

Consensual political culture

Most people agree with the way Government is run

Most people vote moderate (middle)

Middle of the Road Voters

Moderate Politics

Forces candidates to go after the same type and

amount of voters

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PG. 138National ConventionNational ConventionNational ConventionNational Convention

1. When does it meet?1. When does it meet?1. When does it meet?1. When does it meet?

2. What is the purpose of Natl Conventions?2. What is the purpose of Natl Conventions?2. What is the purpose of Natl Conventions?2. What is the purpose of Natl Conventions?

National CommitteeNational CommitteeNational CommitteeNational Committee1. What roles does the Natl Committee serve?1. What roles does the Natl Committee serve?1. What roles does the Natl Committee serve?1. What roles does the Natl Committee serve?

2. How is membership determined?2. How is membership determined?2. How is membership determined?2. How is membership determined?

National ChairpersonNational ChairpersonNational ChairpersonNational Chairperson

1. Identify the roles of a Natl chairperson.1. Identify the roles of a Natl chairperson.1. Identify the roles of a Natl chairperson.1. Identify the roles of a Natl chairperson.

2. Who chooses the Natl chairpersons?2. Who chooses the Natl chairpersons?2. Who chooses the Natl chairpersons?2. Who chooses the Natl chairpersons?