Political PartiesSSCG8 The student will demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national elections.

a.Describe the organization, role, and constituencies of political parties.

EQ. What is the purpose of political parties?

Agenda:

Homework Check

Notes

Political Parties videos and worksheet

Homework: Complete any unfinished work for Friday

What is a Political Party? An organization of people

Share the same ideas of government

Members committed to party goals

Get candidates elected to office

Get laws passed to aid party goals

Party Systems

Most countries have political parties U.S. PARTY SYSTEM

Party system types: One party: China

Two party: USA

Multi-party: Great Britain

Two major parties vie for office

Other minor parties exist

Major parties Democratic party

Republican Party

Similarities of Major Parties in U.S.

• All value personal rights, freedoms

• Educational opportunities for all

• Economic opportunities for all

• Government duty- to protect nation

• Preserve environment

• Help citizens

DifferencesDisagree on ways to meet goals

Example:

Democrats- government directly helps the poor

Republicans- government helps economy and poor get jobs

The Two Party System

BENEFITS DISADVANTAGES

Stabilizing

Keeps people near the center

Extreme ideas not supported by populace

Continuity

Government changes parties often

Transition is usually smooth

Minority groups left out

Ex. Civil rights

Women's movement needed major party support

Third Parties rarely succeed

MULTI-PARTY SYSTEMS ONE PARTY SYSTEMS

• Three or more parties-

Ex. Japan, Israel, Great Britain

• Advantages:

• More voter choice

• Disadvantages:

• Voters divided

• No party gets majority votes

• Must form coalition government

• Coalition may not work-

• 50 governments in Italy since W.W.II

Party and government are almost the same.

Ex. China

One party’s members run for office

Head of government usually head of party

Party members recruit new party members

Party members given top government jobs