Political Parties of the United States

Left vs. Right

The United States has what many consider a The United States has what many consider a two-party systemtwo-party system

Democrats versus RepublicansDemocrats versus Republicans

The Democrats

considered to be the “left” of the political considered to be the “left” of the political spectrumspectrum

also called the “liberal” wingalso called the “liberal” wing

Democrats

Much of their support comes from the Much of their support comes from the working classworking class

Also comes from minorities Also comes from minorities

Well Known Democrats

Former President Bill ClintonFormer President Bill Clinton Congressman Richard GephardCongressman Richard Gephard Former Vice-president Al Gore Former Vice-president Al Gore

What They Believe In

Democrats traditionally believe in Democrats traditionally believe in government regulation on business, government regulation on business, affirmative action, environmental protection affirmative action, environmental protection and lower taxes for the working class, and lower taxes for the working class, higher taxes on the rich.higher taxes on the rich.

Also are strongly in favor of the workers in Also are strongly in favor of the workers in businesses businesses

The Republicans

Considered to be the “right” of the political Considered to be the “right” of the political spectrumspectrum

Also called the “conservative” wingAlso called the “conservative” wing Often supported by business owners and the Often supported by business owners and the

wealthywealthy

Republicans

Often supported by big businessesOften supported by big businesses Also supported by the wealthy Also supported by the wealthy

Well Known Republicans

Former President George H.W. BushFormer President George H.W. Bush Former President Ronald Reagan Former President Ronald Reagan Current Vice-President Richard Cheney Current Vice-President Richard Cheney

                             

What They Believe In

Republicans traditionally are in favor of Republicans traditionally are in favor of gun ownership, a strong military and less gun ownership, a strong military and less governmental involvement in businessgovernmental involvement in business

They believe that business owners should They believe that business owners should be able to make as much money as they canbe able to make as much money as they can

Are less concerned about the rights of Are less concerned about the rights of workersworkers

Other Political Parties

The Reform PartyThe Reform PartyMore to the “right” then RepublicansMore to the “right” then RepublicansFormed by H. Ross Perot in 1996Formed by H. Ross Perot in 1996Considered to be very conservativeConsidered to be very conservativeAppeal to older generations Appeal to older generations

                             

The Green PartyThe Green PartyConsidered more to the “left” then Considered more to the “left” then

DemocratsDemocratsAppeals to younger generations, Appeals to younger generations,

college students college students Ralph Nader ran for President in 2000 Ralph Nader ran for President in 2000

on this party’s ticketon this party’s ticket

                    

The American Heritage Party

Extremely conservativeExtremely conservative Strong belief in the Christianity and Strong belief in the Christianity and

religious beliefsreligious beliefs Belief in a limited government Belief in a limited government Also belief in state rightsAlso belief in state rights

The Independence Party

Mainly in state of Minnesota Mainly in state of Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura is a memberGov. Jesse Ventura is a member Moderate platform, with very little core Moderate platform, with very little core

beliefsbeliefs                         

The Libertarian Party

Dedicated to free trade, civil liberties, and Dedicated to free trade, civil liberties, and personal freedompersonal freedom

Desire to go back to the principles Desire to go back to the principles developed by the “Founding Fathers”, such developed by the “Founding Fathers”, such as non-intervention and peace among as non-intervention and peace among foreign nationsforeign nations

The Natural Law Party

Fastest growing party in AmericaFastest growing party in America Desire is to bring science into politicsDesire is to bring science into politics Education, Crime, Foreign Policy, Health Education, Crime, Foreign Policy, Health

Care, and the Environment are important to Care, and the Environment are important to this partythis party

The Socialist Party

Believe in collective ownership by the Believe in collective ownership by the people of all factories, mills, land and all people of all factories, mills, land and all other means of production other means of production

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 aboutFind out what you feel strongly about Look for a party that believes just as Look for a party that believes just as

strongly in the ideals that you believe instrongly in the ideals that you believe in Get involved in whatever political party Get involved in whatever political party

suits you bestsuits you best

Vote

Don’t let anyone tell you not to vote for a Don’t let anyone tell you not to vote for a 33rdrd party. party.

It is not “throwing away” your voteIt is not “throwing away” your vote Its your vote, use it whatever way you likeIts your vote, use it whatever way you like