Today’s Agenda

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Today we will discuss our nation’s two major political parties, their history, their stance on the issues and we will then exercise the actions of political parties in class.

Let’s Begin Today’s Lesson…..

Political Parties

Today’s Standard

GC.25 Analyze the origin, development, and role of political parties. (H, P)

Objectives Today

Performance Indicators

TSW evaluate how the federal government is impacted by political parties and how the parties impact election outcomes and federal policies. Student understanding of the terms electoral process, political parties, Democrat, Republican, conservative and liberal.

Objective

In this lesson TSW examine why we have a two-party system. TSW examine what role parties play in the political process. TSW then consider the differences between the Democrat and Republican parties.

US Government’s Two Party System

Republicans vs Democrats

What is a Political Party?

Political Party (Noun) - Group of persons organized to acquire and exercise political power. (Merriam Webster Dictionary)

What does a political party hope to accomplish?

What Do Parties Do?

1) Provide a method for people to be involved in their government, through actions or contributions.

2) Parties nominate candidates for elections.

3) Raise support for their candidates and ideas, recruiting new members and providing information favorable to their party to potential voters.

Other Things Parties May Do

1) Inform potential voters on the problems or issues with the opposing party and its candidates. (Negative Campaigning or ‘Mud Slinging’)

2) When a party is in the minority, it acts as a ‘Watchdog’ for the public on the actions of the party in power.

Why a Two Party System?

Two Parties Emerge

The election of 1796 was the first election in American history where political candidates at the local, state, and national level began to run for office as members of organized political parties that held strongly opposed political principles.

1796 Election

This chart depicts the electoral vote distribution for the election of 1796. John Adams (green) edged out Thomas Jefferson (yellow) for the Presidency, with Thomas Pinckney (purple) and Aaron Burr (blue) leading the runners-up. Jefferson's second-place earned him the Vice Presidency.

The First Two Major Parties

The two parties adopted names that reflected their most cherished values. The Federalists of 1796 attached themselves to the successful campaign in favor of the Constitution and were solid supporters of the federal administration. The party had its strongest support among those who favored Hamilton's policies. Merchants, creditors and urban artisans who built the growing commercial economy of the NorthEast provided its most dedicated supporters and strongest regional support.

The Other Party

The opposition party adopted the name Democratic-Republicans, which suggested that they were more fully committed to extending the Revolution to ordinary people.

Although it effectively reached ordinary citizens, its key leaders were wealthy Southern tobacco elites like Jefferson and Madison. While the Democratic-Republicans were more diverse, the Federalists were wealthier and carried more prestige, especially by association with the retired Washington.

The Two Parties Now

Democratic Party – www.democrats.org

2012 National Platform:http://www.democrats.org/democratic-national-platform

Republican Party – www.gop.com

2012 National Platform:http://www.gop.com/2012-republican-platform_home

Democratic Party’s Beliefs

What their website says: “Democrats believe that we're greater together than we are on our own—that this country succeeds when everyone gets a fair shot, when everyone does their fair share, when everyone plays by the same rules. Our party, led by President Obama, is focused on building an economy that lasts—an economy that lifts up all Americans.”

The GOP’s Beliefs“We believe in the power and opportunity of

America’s free-market economy. We believe in the importance of sensible business regulations that promote confidence in our economy among consumers, entrepreneurs and businesses alike. We oppose interventionist policies that put the federal government in control of industry and allow it to pick winners and losers in the marketplace.”

Liberal vs Conservative

Liberal (adjective) – “believing that government should be active in supporting social and political change : relating to or supporting political liberalism”

Conservative (adjective) – “believing in the value of established and traditional practices in politics and society : relating to or supporting political conservatism”

(Merriam Webster Dictionary)

Democrats are Liberal, Republicans are Conservative

The Democratic party is generally viewed as the liberal party, supporting economic social issues and against moral social involvement.

The Republican party is generally viewed as the conservative party, opposing economic social activities and supporting moral social issues.

Videos of Candidates

Watch these videos. Who is the Liberal and who is the Conservative? Do you see a ‘Mud slinging ad’?

Political Ads

Who was the liberal candidate in the 2012 Presidential election?

What party was he a member of?

Who was the conservative candidate in the 2012 Presidential election?

What party was he a member of?

How do these ads impact the ‘political process’?

Where Do We Stand Today?

Problems Envisioned by James Madison in Federalist Paper #10

‘Factions’. Each party is entrenched in their beliefs. Neither party is willing to compromise. Our nation has pressing issues, including:

* Jobs * A Growing Deficit * Our Safety

* Aging Population’s Medical and Financial Needs

* Care for our Veterans * Crumbling Infrastructure

* Failing Cities * Foreign Relation Issues * Wars http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2014/09/22/aging-gas-pipes-special-report/16066245/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVMDubp19fM

Group Time – Cardinal vs Gold

We have three groups. The Cardinal Party. The Gold Party. Pool Reporters.

The Topic: “The NSA should be allowed to record every American’s emails, phone calls and social media activities to ensure we stay safe from Terrorism.”

Each Party has three minutes to share their view with the voting public.

Pool reporters: You are covering the convention. Take notes. You will be asked to report your findings of each convention and be prompted for commentary.

Political Parties

Today’s Standard

GC.25 Analyze the origin, development, and role of political parties. (H, P)

Objectives Today

Performance Indicators

TSW evaluate how the federal government is impacted by political parties and how the parties impact election outcomes and federal policies. Student understanding of the terms electoral process, political parties, Democrat, Republican, conservative and liberal.

Objective

In this lesson TSW examine why we have a two-party system. TSW examine what role parties play in the political process. TSW then consider the differences between the Democrat and Republican parties.

Exit Polling – Questions of the DayPlease take a piece of paper, put your name and

period # in upper right hand corner, answer the following questions and place it in the green folder:

1) What are the two major political parties in our country?

2) Which party is viewed as ‘Liberal’?

3) Which party is viewed as ‘Conservative’?