Chapter 17 Lesson 1 Development of Political Parties

Chapter 17 : Lesson 1 Development of Political Parties

Essential Question What functions do political parties serve in government?

Am I a Republican or Democrat Quiz Step 1: Type the URL below http: //www. people-press. org/quiz/political-typology/ Step 2: Take the Quiz Step 3: Copy and Paste your results in Google Classroom

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

Functions of Political Parties • Party Functions: • Electing Candidates • Educating the Public • Involving People in the Political Process • Operating Government • Dispensing Patronage • Developing and Implementing Policy • Government Watchdog • Providing Stability

Party Systems Most countries have political parties Party systems: • One party • Two party • Multi-party

One Party System a system in which only one political party exists, often because the government doesn’t tolerate opposition.

One Party System • Party and government are almost the same- 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

Major Parties • Two party system • 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

The Two-Party System A. Republicans 1. tend to favor lower taxes, a strong military, and big businesses 2. believe State and local governments should take a primary role in administering social programs B. Democrats 1. tend to favor higher taxes, especially for the wealthy, and a smaller military 2. believe the Federal Govt. should take a primary role in administering social programs

U. S. Political Parties: Characteristics • Democratic Party • Tends to Attract ØWorking people (blue collar) ØLiberals ØCatholics ØMinorities ØUnion Members ØPeople in favor of govt. involvement in social policies

U. S. Political Parties: Characteristics • Republican Party • Tends to attract ØBusinesspeople (white collar) ØProtestants ØConservatives ØNon-minorities ØNon-union supporters ØPeople against govt. involvement in social policies

American Politics Today • Democrats usually feel that the federal government has a responsibility to help the poor through government intervention. • Democrats are generally seen as liberal. • Republicans hold the view that leaving the economy alone will allow for growth, giving people greater ability to help themselves. They believe in less regulation. • Republicans are viewed as being conservative.

Benefits of Two Party System • Stabilizing • Keeps people near the center • Extreme ideas not supported by populace • Continuity • Government changes parties often • Transition is usually smooth

Criticisms of the Two-Party System A. Undemocratic: The American voters only have two choices, year after year B. Power switches back and forth with few major changes in the social system

Disadvantages • Minority groups left out • Ex. Civil rights • Women's movement • Needed major party support

Multi-Party System • Three or more parties- Japan, Israel • Advantage- More voter choice • Disadvantage- Voters divided • No party gets majority votes • Must form coalition government • Coalition may not work • 50 governments in Italy since W. W. II

Third Parties • What are Third Parties? • Parties representing minority opinions that challenge the Democrats and Republicans • Some successful Third Parties: • Populist Party – 1890’s • Progressive Party – split off from Rep. Part in 1912 • Libertarian Party – third most popular party in U. S. today

Splinter Party: a political party that splits away from a major party because of some disagreement

Review Question: Chapter 17 : Lesson 1 Read pages 510 -518 and answer Review Questions on page 518. Hand in Google Class Room.