Political Parties and - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

Political Parties and Their PurposeDAY 1

Political BehaviorSlide2

StarterTake a few minutes to write down some words or ideas that you associate with the following labels:

Democrat

RepublicanSlide3

Objective

Students will be able to

define a

political party

; and

describe and identify the major functions of political parties.

Chapter Essential Question to keep in mind: Does the two-party system help or harm democracy?Slide4

QuestionTrue or False

: The U.S. Constitution specifically calls for the formation of national political parties.

True or False

:

The Democratic and Republican party are the two major parties in American politics?Slide5

What is a Political Party?

**Political Party

: is an organized group of people who share common values and goals and seek to get their candidates elected to office.**

Many voters cast their votes on the basis of the party label, without regard to candidates or issues in an election. Observers sometimes criticize this kind of voting behavior as thoughtless.

Question

: Do you believe it to be thoughtless?Slide6

Other Political PartiesCan anyone name some other other political parties besides Democratic and Republican?Slide7

Minor Parties in U.S.Libertarian Party

Green Party

Constitution Party

Modern Whig Party

Communist Party USA

Prohibition Party

Veterans Party of America

United States Pirate PartySlide8

Major Functions of Political PartiesParties are indispensible to democratic government. They are a vital link b/w the people and their government; b/w the governed and those who govern.

**They are often successful in their attempts to soften the impact of

extremists

at both end of the

political spectrum

, i.e., the range of political views.Slide9
Slide10

Major Functions of Political PartiesWhat good do political parties do?

Imagine an election without political parties, an election with 75 candidates in which citizens could vote for anyone. How would voters choose wisely?Slide11

Major Functions of Political Parties1)

Nominating and Labeling

:

P

arties nominate candidates for public office, that is, parties select candidates and present them to voters; and

Parties provide the label in the minds of voters to help them identify a candidate’s political views.

The debates we had for the Republican and Democratic nominee for president is part of this process.Slide12

Major Functions of Political Parties2)

Informing and Activating Supporters

: parties campaign to tell voters about issues and to seek support.

Essentially educating the public about issues.

Question

: What are some of the specific way parties try to inform and inspire voters?Slide13

Answercampaigning

for candidates; criticizing opposing candidates and views; conduct education efforts through pamphlets, signs, buttons, advertisements in newspapers/radio/TV/internet.Slide14

Major Functions of Political PartiesRemember, both parties want to win elections, and that consideration has much to do with the stands they take on most issues.

Both Republicans and Democrats try to shape their positions that will attract as many voters as possible – and at the same time, offend as few as possible.Slide15

Major Functions of Political Parties3)

Ensure Candidate Quality

: the party prompts its successful candidate to perform well in office.

If it fails to assume that responsibility, both the party and its candidate may suffer the consequences in future elections.

“Bonding agent” function

In other words, parties seek qualified, quality candidates because that is a key to ongoing support

.Slide16

Major Functions of Political Parties

4)

Governing

:

government in the U.S. is government by party. Party leaders generally see that their members support the party’s position when considering potential laws and policies.

Congress and state legislatures are organized along party lines.

Example

: those who govern, are chosen on the basis of party; governments are organized on party lines; they conduct much of their business on the basis of

partisanship

(the strong support of their party and its policy stands). Also, most executive appointments are made on the basis of party and partisanship.Slide17

Major Functions of Political Parties5)

Watchdog Function

: Parties not in power represent opposing views and voice concerns over the policies and decisions of the party in power.

They are constantly criticizing the policies and behavior of the other party.

They are called the “loyal opposition.”Slide18

ExamplesWhat party functions are occurring in this video?

Arnold at 2004 Republican Convention

(stop at 2:30)Slide19

ExamplesWhat party

function is

occurring

here?Slide20

ExamplesSlide21

Party Functions WorksheetIdentify the party function described by each action in the chart.Slide22

Summary of Functions

Remember: The functions of political

p

arties are

To nominate candidates for public office

To ensure quality candidates

To play a role in governing

To educate the public on issues

To monitor what the other party doesSlide23

Party FunctionsSlide24

Exit QuestionThe Framers were generally not in favor of political parties, and the Constitution

does not

include any mention of them. Yet parties quickly appeared in the new nation.

What might

government be like if there were no political parties? Could government as

we know

it function without them? Why or why not?