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The American Political Parties

The American Political Parties. The Two-Party Syste m. Standards and Benchmarks. 8.1.4 – Describe the function of political parties (e.g. in the electoral process, in providing leadership in a constitutional democracy, in the legislature). Political Party.

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The American Political Parties

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  1. The American Political Parties The Two-Party System

  2. Standards and Benchmarks • 8.1.4 – Describe the function of political parties (e.g. in the electoral process, in providing leadership in a constitutional democracy, in the legislature)

  3. Political Party • A group of citizens who agree on major issues facing a nation and create public policies that reflect their views. • Parties nominate people they want to elect to public office. • These candidates campaign to get elected.

  4. Political Parties in the US • Any American citizen may join a political party regardless of age but most members are 18 and older. • The United States run on a two-party system. • The modern Democratic Party was formed in 1828. • The Republicans Party was formed in 1854.

  5. First US Parties • Thomas Jefferson started the Democratic-Republicans in 1791 (great power for the states). • Alexander Hamilton started the Federalistsin 1792 (strong national government).

  6. Second US Parties • In 1828, Andrew Jackson was nominated by the newfound Democratic Party. • Those who did not support him started the Whig Party. • Their real name is the National Republican Party. • They reigned for two decades.

  7. Emergence of the Main Parties • In 1854, Whigs, former Free Soil Party members and ex-Democrats formed the Republican Party to oppose the spread of slavery. • The Whigs faded from the American politics leaving the Democrats and Republicans as the two most dominant parties ever since.

  8. The Donkey And the Elephant • In 1870, cartoonist Thomas Nast drew a donkey to represent the Democrats. • In 1874, he drew a picture of a donkey on a lion’s skin scaring away animals at a zoo—one of which is an elephant. • The two animals have since become the symbols for both parties.

  9. Third Parties • Any party other than the two main parties • Third party candidates must show they have support by getting voter signatures to even be placed in the ballot for national office • The state of Colorado does not require this

  10. The Problem With Third Parties • No third party has ever gained control of the White House. • Since 1877, there’s only been 31 senators, 111 representatives and 22 governors that weren’t from one of the two major parties. • Competing financially is difficult.

  11. Importance of Third Parties • Although they never achieve big wins, third parties influence policy on one or more issues • They can also spoil a major party’s chance of winning elections

  12. Types of Third Parties • Determined by the motive of the party • Splinters • Ideological • Protestors or “single-issue” • Cult of personality

  13. Splinter parties • Broke off from their original party because they do not support some of its ideas • The Progressive Party of 1912 by Theodore Roosevelt broke off from the Republicans • Also known as the Bull Moose Party

  14. Ideological Parties • Ideology is a body of ideas put forth by a person or group • The People’s Party (Populist) believed in worker’s rights and agrarianism • The Socialist Party USA believed in public ownership of big businesses and heavy government involvement

  15. Protestor Parties • Otherwise known as “single issue” parties because they are focused on one issue • Free Soil Party- opposed slavery • Marijuana Party- opposed war on drugs • Right to Life Party- opposed abortion

  16. Cult of Personality • A party created for one person. • H. Ross Perot formed his own party, the Reform Party, and ran for president in the 1992 and 1996 elections. • These parties fade after the candidate is defeated.

  17. American Political Parties Today • Democrats are generally seen as liberals. • Republicans are generally conservatives. • Three current major third parties: • Libertarian- laissez faire • Green Party- environmental issues • Constitution- focus on traditions • A one-party system cannot exist in a democracy.

  18. Party Campaigns • A platform is a statement that puts forth the party’s positions on issues. Each individual issue is called a plank. • Since both parties want votes, they tend to be moderate in their platforms. • Third parties focus more on their main issues.

  19. Party Systems in Other Countries • Most democracies have multi-party systems • When multiple parties control the government and work together to pass laws, a coalition is formed • India has 6 national political parties • Israel has 34 national political parties

  20. Party Systems in Other Countries • Communist China, Cuba and North Korea operate under a one-party system • Iran’s Islamic Republican Party has established a Muslim state • In parliamentary governments, a small party pulling its support can cause the government to collapse

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