The US has two major political parties, the Democrats and the Republicans =

There are other political parties but almost all major positions, including President, have been Dems or Reps.

In the beginning there were no political parties….

Washington even warned against it.

Thomas Jefferson’ Democratic-Republicans (Todays Democrats) v. Alexander Hamilton’s Federalists.

Wanted a strong central government. Supported by the North / Merchants

Wanted to see the states have more power. Supported by the South / Farmers

Federalists faded away leaving the DEM-REPS as only party…they got bored so changed their name to….

Andrew Jackson

1854 = Whigs divided over issue of slavery = Split

A new party is formed

Which is your party?

Complete the worksheet to see which party you belong to….

Average American sees themselves as in the center

It is often easy to predict how people will vote if you know some background.

Race

Religion

Where you live

Occupation

Gender

Wealth

Best place to check is their PARTY PLATFORM = list of principles and beliefs

Plank = one part

Becareful getting info from other sources like the media = can be bias

Third Parties have played an important role in our nationals political history. Complete the worksheet to learn more about these guys.

Example: Prohibitionists

Want to change society in a major way

We have already stated that we have a two-party system in the US. In many countries they have numerous strong political parties =

ISRAEL ITALYJAPAN

Country’s politics is dominated by one political party. Not democratic…..often a dictatorship.

CHINANORTH KOREA

CUBA

National Convention

National Chairperson

National Committee

State Chairperson

State Committee

Local Chairperson

City, Town, County Committees

Precinct Captain Precinct Workers

Congressional Campaign Committee

Senatorial Campaign Committee

When one party gains too much control of a city or state – leads to corruption

BOSS TWEED

One of the most famous political machine existed in New York…Boss Tweeds Tammany Hall

Andrew Jackson

In the past it was easy for political leaders to reward loyal supporters with government jobs. This is called patronage. Started by Andrew Jackson

Making money off of government projects

Federal

State

Local

When not in power, question the other parties actions

-CANVASSING

Before John McCain could run as the REPUBLICAN candidate in 2008, the party had to pick him. There were others that wanted to represent the party.

Selection process is called a

OPEN CLOSED

Registered voters from both party can vote for a candidate

Only registered democrats or republicans can vote for a candidate

Every 4 years each party holds a national convention = decide on party platform and candidate for president

POWER PLAYERS = PRESIDENT / BUSINESS LEADERS ETC