Political Parties. Political Parties: A Channel of Influence.
Chapter 18.1 Role of Political Parties Political parties –Organized groups that seek to influence...
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Transcript of Chapter 18.1 Role of Political Parties Political parties –Organized groups that seek to influence...
Chapter 18.1 Role of Political Parties
• Political parties – Organized groups
that seek to influence how the government is ran.
– Question:• Were there always
political parties in America?
In the beginning….
• 1787– During the Constitutional
Convention, the Founding Father’s started to divide themselves already.
• Federalists – Believed in strong
federal government
• Anti-federalists– Believed in strong state
governments
– Question:• Who should become
POTUS? – Federalists vs.
Antifederalists
A Father for the New Country
• 1789 – George Washington
becomes the 1st POTUS.
– Why? • He was neither
Federalist or Antifederalist
• “I’m just a General doing my civic duty for my country”.
Role of POTUS Washington and Political Parties
• Pres. Washington hated the idea of political parties. – Believed they would
divide the nation and “kindle animosity of one part against another”
– How do you keep this from happening?
Pres. Washington’s Cabinet
• Pres. Washington hired both federalists and antifederalists to become his Cabinet members.
– Secretary of State• Thomas Jefferson
(Antifederalist)
– Sec. of Treasury• Alexander Hamilton
(Federalist)
Washington’s Farewell…
• 1796– Pres. Washington is done
with his 2nd term.
– Wants to retire and go home to Mt. Vernon
– Gives final ‘farewell address’ to public
• Warns them to not allow political parties to develop.
– So, what happens next?
Election of 1796
• John Adams– Federalist
• Thomas Jefferson– Antifederalist
• John Adams wins!– However
• TJ becomes VP
• Next 4 years, nothing gets done….
Functions of Political Parties
1. Assisting the electoral process
2. Organize day to day running of government
3. Makes it easier to pick candidates
Assisting the Electoral Process
• Political Parties #1 goal = WIN ELECTIONS!– How do you win elections?
• Get voters to elect your people!
– Therefore, you must help the electorate get registered to vote.
• The body of people entitled to vote
Assisting the Electoral Process
• Political Parties help people identify politicians that share common beliefs
– Democrats• Large active government• Environmental friendly• Socially driven ideas
– Republicans• Small government that stays out of the way• Low taxes• Rugged individualism
– Do for yourself. The rest will take care of itself.
Organizing the Government
• Who makes laws in our land? – CONGRESS!!!
• How is Congress leadership picked? – According to which political party is:
• Majority (Democrats) – Pick leaders of House and Senate committees
» Nancy Pelosi, Robert Byrd
• Minority (Republicans)– Get what is left
Organizing the Government
• Executive Branch– POTUS usually
appoints people who are from his party or share his beliefs.
– Which positions can he fill?
• Executive Staff• Cabinet Members• Supreme Court justices
Has Pres. Obama used this power?
• Yep. – Sec. of State
• Hillary Clinton (Democrat)
– Sec. of Defense• Gen. Robert Gates
– believes Afghanistan is more important than Iraq
– Supreme Ct. Justice• Sonia Sotomayor
– Liberal – Represents minorities
Political Parties help nominate Candidates
Are there other types of party systems in the world?
• Yes… more tomorrow.