Post on 07-May-2015
Influencing Government
A Brief History of Political Parties
Politics: the process through which groups make decisions.
Political Party: a group of persons who seek to control government through the winning of elections and the holding of public office.
– Groups form based on common beliefs and principles of government … WHY?
A Brief History of Political Parties
They want to bring about the adoption of certain public policies and programs.
Parties have existed in America almost since the founding of the country.
ExamplesFederalists, Anti-Federalists, Whigs, Anti-Masonic, Know-Nothings, Populists, Dixiecrats
TODAYTwo-party system
Republicans and Democrats!
As a result, it is extremely hard for third party candidates to be taken seriously.
Our Old Friend, The Political Spectrum
Liberal Conservative
Democrat Republican
So, What’s The Difference?
Republican
Believes in small government
“Hands off” when it comes to business
Little government interference in society and the economy
Democrat
Believes in using government to fix the problems of society
Beliefs naturally lead to large bureaucratic government
Where do you think you stand?
Liberal Moderate Conservative
Political Parties
Review of Key Concepts…
Politics-Struggle between groups (parties) to control or influence the policies of government.
Two-Party System in the U.S.
Effect of Third Parties
They have little real impact on national politics
“Spoiler Effect” - what does this mean?
– Even if a minor party does not win any electoral votes, it can “pull” votes from one of the major parties
Ex: Green Party – 2000 Election
Your ThoughtsWhy do they run if most agree they have no chance of winning?
Political Party Platforms
What do you think “platform” means?
Formal statement of basic principles, stands on major policy matters, and objectives for the campaign and beyond.
Some political party symbols…
It’s Your Turn!...
The functions of political parties…
The Presidential
Election
A snapshot of the events…
Primary Campaign
Primary Elections
Republican/ Democrat
Conventions
General Election
Campaign
General Election
Electoral College
Inauguration of the
President
EXAMINING THE ELECTION PROCESS…
What do you remember from the 2008 Presidential Election?
Understanding the Electoral College
Definition•Indirect method of electing a President
Question
•Why would the founding fathers choose this method?
Answer•Voters’ lack education and information
How many electoral college votes does each state get?
#
Senators
# HouseReps
#
Electoral
Votes
2 19 21
538 total electoral college votes, 270 to WIN!
Electoral Map 2000 Election
“Winner-take-all” process
Candidate A (majority of the popular vote) would receive ALL of the electoral votes for Pennsylvania.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGEWhat would happen if Presidential Candidate A wins 45% of the
popular vote in PA, Candidate B wins 35% of the popular vote, and Candidate C wins 20% of the popular vote?