7 th Grade Civics Miss Smith pgs 252

7 th Grade Civics Miss Smith *pgs. 252 -254 1

§An organization of citizens who share similar views on issues and who work together to put their ideas into effect through government action is a political party §Parties are often labeled as “liberal” or “conservative” 2

§ The U. S. has a two-party system, however we have hundreds of parties § Not all parties make the same impact on national politics § The Democratic Party and Republican Party are the two main parties Democratic Party Republican Party Liberal Favors a greater role of the federal gov. in providing social programs Conservative Supports reducing the power of the federal government in operating social programs 3

§In this system, it is more difficult for one party to win a majority of votes 4

§One-party system: government controlled by a single political party §Usually forbids the formation of all other political parties 5

§ Third parties- smaller political parties § Theodore Roosevelt was denied the Rep. party presidential nomination, he decided to run in a party he made (the Progressive Party). He did not win, but he took votes from the Rep. candidate, which allowed the Dem. candidate to win. § Few third party candidates have done as well as Roosevelt in elections, however many third parties suggest great ideas for our country 6