Political Parties
Definition: a voluntary group of citizens who organize to try to:
1) Win elections
2) Control Government
3) Influence Public Policy
Functions:
1. Nominate Candidates
2. Inform & Activate Supporters
3. Bonding Agent
4. Govern
5. Act as Watchdog
Democratic National Party
û America’s oldest party
§ Organized by TJ to oppose the Federalist Party
û Philosophy: the gov’t should provide direct relief as needed
§ Supporters include of unions, teachers & entertainers
û Platform:
§ Economy: support the Stimulus
§ Iraq: end the war asap
§ Healthcare: reform to make it affordable for All Americans (Universal Healthcare)
Republican National Party
û Originally created in the 1850s to oppose slavery
§ Party of Lincoln
§ Referred to as the GOP – Grand Old Party
û Philosophy: allow private citizens to govern themselves
§ Less gov’t regulation, less bureaucracy, less taxes
§ Supporters of business, military, & religion
û Platform:
§ Economy: control spending & eliminate earmarks
§ Iraq: win the war in Iraq
§ Education: a parental right, a local responsibility, and a national interest
Minor Parties
û Election laws have discouraged multiparty system
§ Europe is different: multiple party systems are common
· Problem: instability, continuous coalitions
û Philosophy: bring controversial issues to the forefront
§ Environment, abortion, drugs, immigration
û Statistics & Influence
§ 37-55 recognized parties
§ Reform Party: Ross Perot (1992)
· Conservative votes taken from Bush, Clinton elected
§ Green Party: Ralph Nadar (2000)
· Takes liberal votes from Gore, GW Bush elected
Who Are Independents
û Anyone who has no party affiliation
§ Tend to vote “their conscience”
û Stats
§ 37% of 2008 vote
§ Under 30 yrs old, some college, middle income
§ Less informed, concerned, and active
û Pro: freedom of choice
û Cons:
§ Can’t participate in Primaries & Caucuses
§ Only truly successful at the local level
§ Jim Jefforts (UT) & Joe Libermann (CT) only two members of Congress who are not either a Republican or Democrat.
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