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Political Parties. Chapter 10-1 Notes. What is a political party?. A political party is a group of people who have the same ideas about how our government should be ran. The 2 major political parties in the U.S. today are the Democrats and the Republicans. 5 Functions of Political Parties.
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Political Parties Chapter 10-1 Notes
What is a political party? • A political party is a group of people who have the same ideas about how our government should be ran. • The 2 major political parties in the U.S. today are the Democrats and the Republicans.
5 Functions of Political Parties • Keeping citizens informed about the government. • Make sure public officials do a good job • Improve government by pointing out weaknesses in other parties • Select candidates to run for public office • Recommend programs and laws
Political Party Systems • 1 Party: Usually found in totalitarian or communist states. Citizens have no choice in government. • 2 Party: There are choices, but not overwhelming. • Multiparty: Can make government unstable.
Our first political parties • Federalists: People who supported a strong federal government. • Led by Alexander Hamilton • Democratic Republicans: People who favored strong state governments. • Led by Thomas Jefferson
How have political parties helped the United States? • We gained the Louisiana Territory from France. • We abolished slavery • We have granted Civil Rights to all citizens • Most importantly we’ve become the most powerful nation in the world