Republicans v. Democrats

Political Parties

A brief history of political partiesFederalists and Anti-Federalists were the

first political partiesFederalists soon faded under opposition

by the Democratic-Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson

The first issues they disagreed on was the power of the national government. Democratic-Republicans would soon become the modern day Democratic party with opposition from the newly formed Whig party

History continuedOur current system emerged in 1854

when the Republican party, or Grand Old Party was born.

Support bases for these parties has changed over the years. Republicans were initially formed to fight slavery (Lincoln was a Republican), and they had the support of minorities. Since FDR and the Great Depression, along with Johnson’s Great Society and civil rights, minorities are largely Democrats

Third PartiesThird parties do emerge from time to time

and impact elections (Nader in 2000 and 2004). Third parties are most often formed in response to specific issues and lack policies on all aspects of running the country, and therefore fail to get long-lasting support. These are called single-issue parties.

Third parties have a hard time getting on ballots in most states and people think they are wasting their vote by voting for a third party.

Third Parties continuedThird parties contribute to the system by

making the two major parties focus on certain issues. If the third party and their issue get enough attention, the other two parties are then forced to deal with that issue. However, no third party candidate has ever won the presidency.

The two party systemLimits choices on

candidatesClearly defined

platforms and clearly defined opposition

Gives the individual a chance to get involved with a cause

The Functions of Political PartiesSelecting candidates - through open and

closed primaries, caucuses, national conventions, or by write-in which is a popular method for third parties who can’t get on the ballot

Set goals for government - parties have platforms made up of planks, which are ideas for what government should do

Play watchdog - if Republicans are in power, Democrats act as a check on that power and vice versa

Functions of Political Parties, continuedGive people a voice - like-minded people

band together in political parties to improve their chances of getting their problems or issues heard by government

It is customary for candidates to give jobs to campaign workers who helped him or her get elected. This is called patronage.

Political Party OrganizationAll political parties have one thing in

common, how they are organized.

Political Party Organization

party members

Precinct Organization

County or Local Committee

State Committee

National Committeethis is the top level of the party

Election ProcessCandidates for office must first go through

primaries to narrow down the field to one nominee from both of the major political parties.

Primaries can be open or closed as you know. Some states use a caucus instead of a primary to choose candidates.

A closed primary is when the primary election is only open to registered democrats or republicans. For example only a democrat can vote in a democratic primary.

Election Process continuedAn open primary is when anyone can vote in

the primary election. For example a Republican could vote in a Democratic primary election.

Candidates for President are whittled down to one after the Democratic and Republican National Conventions.

A general election is then held to decide the winner between the Democrat, Republican and any third party candidates. Everyone votes in the general election.

More CampaigningCandidates also seek endorsements

from famous people or retired politicians. Remember the President helps members of his party campaign.

Candidates also use propaganda which is a type of message aimed at influencing your opinions. There are six types: glittering generalities, bandwagon, stack cards, name calling, “just plain folks,” and image molding.

CampaigningCandidates raise money through both

private and public donations. PACs also contribute heavily to political campaigns through its lobbyists.

A Political Action Committee is a group that wants to have their cause heard by the government, so they contribute money to gain influence. This is bad because the candidate now “owes” something to the PAC. However, PACs also distribute information that politicians might not normally have access to.

Republicans and DemocratsAre they the same or are they different?

Both political parties want to help the American people. They want to “promote the general welfare” of our people.

The problem is that the issues that the parties disagree on are issues that divide the nation. For example: Gay marriage, abortion, and the death penalty. These are divisive issues.

Republicans

http://www.gop.com/index.php/issues/issues/

Democratshttp://www.democrats.org/