The American Political Parties

The Two-Party System

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•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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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