Political Parties The big trends Ticket splitting is

Political Parties

The big trends: • Ticket splitting is now very common

The big trends: • Ticket splitting is now very common • Independent voters are up

The big trends: • Ticket splitting is now very common • Independent voters are up • Still more Democrats, but barely

The big trends: • Ticket splitting is now very common • Independent voters are up • Still more Democrats, but barely • Impact/importance of parties is on the decline

The big trends: • Ticket splitting is now very common • Independent voters are up • Still more Democrats, but barely • Impact/importance of parties is on • the decline Divided government is now common

Critical Elections: • Critical election years: 1800, 1828, 1860, 1896, 1932

Critical Elections: • Critical election years: 1800, 1828, • 1860, 1896, 1932 A period of party "realignment" happens when there is a major, long -lasting voting pattern shift.

Critical Elections: • Critical election years: 1800, 1828, • • 1860, 1896, 1932 A period of party "realignment" happens when there is a major, long -lasting voting pattern shift We are in an age of party dealignment

Third Parties in America: Ralph Nader

Third Parties in America: • A two party system is rare worldwide.

Third Parties in America: • A two party system is rare worldwide. • It is extremely hard to win as a third party in our two party system.

Third Parties in America: • A two party system is rare worldwide. • It is extremely hard to win as a third party in our two party system. Ex: Labor 45% Conservatives- 43% Green 12% *Winner-take-all system maintains a two party system