Political Parties in America

Political parties

• MOST potential voters do not know the differences between the two parties goals and philosophies, but assume they are quite dissimilar
• Because of this, many stereotypes are formed about each party

Political party stereotypes

• Democrats:
• a bunch of “do-gooders” and “bleeding-hearts”
• Have suspect “management skills”
• have weaker credentials/less experience in dealing with the economy
• Republicans:
• less compassionate than Democrats
• generally wealthier—are they the “country club” party?
• Is a background in business useful in dealing with national economic problems?

What parties do

• 1. Nominate candidates for public office to represent the party’s message

What parties do

• 2. Influence Policy
• Members of the Senate and House of Reps are also members of political parties
• Senators and MCs from each party often work together to create and pass laws that support their party’s platform

What parties do

• 3. Unite Government
• an organization/membership
• federalism

What parties do

• 4. Create balance – majority and minority

What parties do

• 5. Inform citizens
• Run ads
• Distribute pamphlets
• Post blogs
• Give speech advice
• Bc all this info is biased, citizens must seek other sources of info

Political parties

• Major differences between Dems and Reps…
• Size/scope of government
• Military
• Social services (welfare, unemployment)
• Health Care
• Immigration
• Education
• Privacy

In the beginning…

• Our country has for most of its history been a two-party system, but not in the beginning
• There is no mention of political parties in the Constitution
• Political parties did not exist during George Washington’s two terms as president, and he warned against forming them in his farewell address