Political Parties What are they? Why do we have them?
Jan 02, 2016
Political Parties: groups of people who share similar beliefs about how the government should be run.
Parties have more power than if a person acted alone
Organized at every level of government (from national to local)
5 Roles of Political Parties
1. Nominate Candidates- Select who will run for political
office - Announce intent to run- Help win the election
2. Educate Citizens/VotersPresent information on issues
or beliefs through pamphlets, newspapers, radio, TV, speeches, conventions
All information is biased and should not be a citizen’s only source of information.
3. Create BalanceMajority: Having the most people as
supporters; can set the agendaMinority: Having fewer supporters;
must work hard to oppose the majority party.
Want to be the political party that has the most members elected to office.
4. Influence on PolicyPolicy: Principles, rules, laws. Members of Congress, from each
party, work together to create and pass laws that support their party’s platform.
Platform: a set of simplified statements that explains a party’s beliefs
5. Unite Government
Bring officials (on the local, state and national level) together to communicate about common goals.
How Many Parties Are There?
Countries can have none to many political parties. The number of political parties is described as the party system.
OVERALL- Basic IdeasDemocrats:Want be able to have
more laws/regulations you are required to follow
Don’t believe in fighting. Talking/negotiation first. Last resort is fighting – and the United Nations gets involved
Equality overall. Wealthy contribute more to help out the poor. (dinner example)
Republicans:Want to tell you less
regulations you are required to follow -leave more up to private businesses – not controlled directly by government
Stronger militaryBusinesses grow to
provide opportunities for jobs to help poor.
The Economy and TaxesDemocrats :Tax system in which
the wealthy pay a larger share than the poor
trade agreements with other countries hurt American workers (make laws to protect American businesses)
balanced budget/willing to raise taxes if needed
Republicans :Tax cuts for everyone
helps economyBelieve in global
trade/do not tend to protect US businesses from international competition
against raising taxes even if it means a budget deficit
National Defense and SecurityDemocratsTend to cut the
military budgetAvoid American
military intervention unless supported by the United Nations
Slow to go to war
RepublicansStrong military and
are willing to pay for it with government money
Confronting American enemies with or without UN support
Using military intervention when American interests or security is threatened
Entitlements- Welfare, Medicaid, Social Security, Health CareDemocrats:Universal safety
net (health care, education, welfare, food stamps) for the poor and others.
Republicans :Limit or reduce the
safety net for the poor.
Private businesses and non-profit charities can provide the same services.
Crime and PunishmentDemocrats:Rehabilitation
programs over long prison sentences for convicted criminals
Against the death penalty
Focus on rights of the accused
Republicans:Prison sentences
as a deterrent to crime
For the death penalty
Stiffer penalties for convicted criminals
Environmental ProtectionDemocratsFavor stricter
regulations on businesses to protect the environment
Believe global warming is a real threat
RepublicansFavor fewer
restrictions on businesses in the hopes that wealthier companies will be able to be more environmental
Many do not believe global warming is a real threat
Energy Policy
DemocratsFocus on
researching alternative energy sources for the future
RepublicansFocus on
securing existing energy sources for the present and future
Values- Same Sex Marriage and Civil Rights Laws
Democrats:Tend to support
the right for same-sex couples to marry
Republicans:Tend to oppose
the right for same-sex couples to marry
Education
Democrats:Oppose using
tax money for school choice (vouchers and charters)
Republicans:Favor using tax
money for school choice (vouchers and charters)