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Political PartiesDEMOCRACY &Government & Citizenship Timpanogos High School

16.4 Political Party BasicsPolitical Parties AP U.S. Government & Politics Timpanogos High SchoolReview Jim Crow Lawshttp://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/freedomriders/issues/jim-crow-laws/2

An organized group of individuals who seek to win elections, control government, and shape public policy

Parties develop political platforms.

Democratic Strategy (2012)

Government Timpanogos High SchoolWHAT ARE POLITICAL PARTIES? ULTIMATE GOAL?6.4 Basics of Political PartiesWhat are political parties and what is their ultimate goal? Political parties seek to win elections and control government (i.e. have majorities in the branches of government). However, controlling government is just a means to end for political parties. The ultimate goal of any political party is shape public policy to fit their beliefs and values.

Political parties develop an official set of positions on the issues known as the party platform. For instance, the Democrats pushed to get the U.S. out of Iraq as soon as possible and they generally opposed President Bushs doctrine of preemption (stopping a threat before it has a chance to develop). Republicans want to overturn abortion rights and define marriage as only between a man and a woman. These issues and others represent planks in both parties platforms. 3

6.4 ConstitutionAre Political Parties in the Constitution?

Political parties are not included in the Constitution

Did the Framers expect parties to develop?

Washington, Madison, and others warned against the spirit of [political] parties

The Framers believed something like todays political parties were inevitable

Rigid Two-party system?

Though not mentioned in the Constitution, political parties are an essential feature of modern government.

Government & Citizenship Timpanogos High SchoolLet me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the stormiest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but in those of the popular form it is seen in its greatest rankness and is truly their worst enemy...George Washington, Farewell Address 1796

4Are political parties mentioned in the Constitution? No, but that does not mean they are unconstitutional. In fact, there is good reason to believe that our system of government, at least in its modern form, could not function without parties.

Did the Framers expect political parties to develop? The short answer to that question is yes. Political factions at least, were a concern from the beginning. In Washingtons farewell address, he warned against the dangerous effects of political factions (something akin to todays political parties).

This begs the question: did the Framers expect the rigid two-party system that we have today to develop? There is some evidence that they did not. For instance the Framers expected electors (they form the electoral college and in turn elect the president) to have the freedom to choose which ever candidate they wanted and the Framers also expected there to be multiple candidates to choose from.

The Founding Fathers, particularly James Madison, believed that political parties were inevitable in a free, democratic society. Recall Madisons Federalist No. 10 Liberty is to faction what air is to fire In other words, Madison believed there was simply no way to stop political factions without crushing liberty. The key, according to Madison, was not to crush political factions, but to control the effects of political factions and not let any one party dominate.

Despite the fact that we cannot find a reference to political parties in the Constitution, parties are an essential part of the way government works today. Shape almost all aspects of government todayIn Congress, the party in power (majority) largely sets the agenda and thus shapes public policy.

Parties promote democracy:Help define and focus the issues for the votersGives some predictability to the candidates

Government & Citizenship Timpanogos High School6.4 Importance 5How important parties in government today?Shape Government:From 1994 to 2006 Republicans held the majority in congress. This means that they were able to set the agenda for Congress. After 2006 the tables turned and the Democrats ran the show.

The majority party largely sets the agenda for legislation (they decide what bills get debated and what bills come up for a vote).

The majority party also controls the committees, which often determines the fate of bills.

Powerful leadership positions, such the House Speaker, are always from the majority party. The Speaker has great power in shaping the agenda of the House of Representatives.

If the majority party votes together as a bloc (this is called a party-line vote) they can dominate the business of congress. Its no wonder that recent elections are so hotly contested.

Promote Democracy:Does the average citizen does know very much about the issues? Parties help define and focus the issues for voters, and give American citizens a more clear cut choice on what policy should be

Do voters know much about the candidates? If a candidate is a Democrat, you have a good idea what they stand for even though you dont know much about them individually. Same with a Republican candidates.

Photo above: Vice President Dick Cheney (left) debates Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards during the 2004 campaign.Provide checks and balances:The minority party = watch dogCriticize offer alternative policies / solutionsDemocrats = War in IraqRepublicans = national debt and the size & scope of government.

Government & Citizenship Timpanogos High School

6.4 Importance

6Checks & BalancesParties provide a check and balance to each other. Prior to the 2006 election, in their role as the minority party, the Democrats acted as a watchdog to the Republicans on a variety of policies. The Democrats especially focused on policy related to the War in Iraq. The Republicans generally followed a policy of staying the course in Iraq. The Democrats were constantly on the attack, criticizing the Republicans Iraq policy. Part of the debate centered around the issue of a timetable for troop with drawl. As the 2006 midterm elections approached, polls showed Americans support for the war, and consequently for Republican policies, dropping sharply. The Republicans (led by the Bush administration) began talking about a change of policy in Iraq and a possible compromise with the Democrats. That talk came too late as the 2006 midterm elections gave the Democrats majorities in both the House and the Senate, relegating the once powerful Republicans to minority status. And, as you know, the Democrats won the White House in the 2008 presidential elections.

Fast Forward, to the 2010 midterm elections. The Republicans were poised to take back the House (and possibly the Senate). As the minority watchdog since 2006, the Republicans have been successful at exposing the Democrats weakness on a number of issues including the massive of growth of government, the corresponding growth in the national debt and the health care bill (Obama Care).

However the balance of power swings in future elections, one thing is certain, the minority party will continue to play the role of the watchdog and struggle to win back power.

Photos: Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (left), Republican minority leader John Boehner (right)

Political Party SimulationUnit 6 AP U.S. Government & Politics Timpanogos High SchoolPolitical PartiesEach team will organize as a political party and create a party poster

Party Poster Requirements:Party Name (needs to be legitimate)

Party Slogan/Logo (These can be one and the same)

Party Platform

Write one sentence showing your parties position for six issues:Abortion, Gay Marriage, Immigration, ISIS (intervention nonintervention)

Pick two other issues that your party feels strongly aboutExamples: Gun Control, Death Penalty, Marijuana, etc.

Preface each statement with We believe

For Each take a definitive stance (i.e. either for or against gay marriage

Your Poster needs to look good and be as artistic as possible, use color pencils and markers (back drawers)

The text on your poster needs to be big to read from the back of the classroom

These posters will be presented in class.

Debate TopicsEach party will be assigned a distinct position on the following issues:Gay Marriage

ISIS (intervention v nonintervention)

Write a concise statement reflecting your position on that issue

Government & Citizenship Timpanogos High SchoolPropositionsGay MarriageThe Liberty partyMarriage should be allowed between any two consenting adults

The Party partyMarriage should between one man and one woman only

ISISThe Botanist partyThe US should intervene against ISIS with regular troops

The Peoples partyThe US should NOT intervene against ISIS with regular troops

Government & Citizenship Timpanogos High SchoolDebate ProcedureA Speaker will preside over the debatesSpeakers main power comes through the power of recognition. Also, the Speaker also has standing recognition during general debateThe Speaker will elected by the congress Each party member for the both parties will give a 30 sec. speech (party leaders organize this)30 sec. For, 30 sec. speech Against, so onAfter speeches, we move to general debate for 5 minutes Any one may speak if recognized Once debate time has expired, the Senate will take a vote (Standing and Secret ballot)I will act as the Speaker on first issue, then turn the speakership over to the newly elected Speaker11Debate Mini Mock Congress

126.5 Development & Organization of U.S. PartiesPolitical Parties AP U.S. Government & Politics Timpanogos High School136.5 Development & Organization of Parties

Government & Citizenship Timpanogos High School5a When did political parties first develop?

Early Two opposing parties, the Federalists and the Jeffersonian-Republicans in election of 1800

5a How did our current two-party system start?

Todays Democratic party was organized under the leadership Andrew Jackson in the 1820s

The Republicans ran their first presidential candidate, Abraham Lincoln, in 1860

Current two party systemRigid two party system?1968

In DepthWatch Development of US Political Parties

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VH46Ogc3UN0&list=PLDFB-v6YGZLEYo2d9dqm2fqYvKwkhVFJK

The Democratic Party From Racism to Obama Supporters (Vox)http://www.vox.com/2014/12/8/7328755/maps-democratic-party

When did US parties develop? What are the origins of todays Democratic and Republican parties?Parties in the US developed almost from the beginning. Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, believed in a strong national government. Democratic-Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson, favored more state power

By the 1850s the issue of slavery split the Democratic party

Many Northern Democrats joined a small anti-slavery party called the Republicans which ran their first presidential candidate in 1860. The Republicans are the only party in our history to start as a third party, then became one of the two permanent major parties.

In the years following the Civil War our two-party system, dominated by Republicans and Democrats, was established. Since 1968, the US developed our current rigid two party system. George Wallace was the last third party candidate to win any electoral votes.

146.5b Weakness of Modern U.S. PartiesUSEuropeWeak relative to their European counter parts & relative to their own historical powerDirect Primaries took the nomination process out of the hands of party bosses and put it into the hands of voters

Thus

candidates dont have to be loyal to the party leadership

State and local parties are independent from the national party

Rise of Independent voters decline in voter loyalty to the party

Split ticket voting more commonRelatively Strong

European Parties control who gets nominated

candidates must be loyal to the partyAP Government & Politics Timpanogos High School

Why are US parties weak relative to their European counterparts?There are significant differences between US and European parties. Not only do we have different party systems (i.e. two-party v. multiparty systems), there is an important difference in how much power parties can exercise. Political parties in the US are much weaker than their European counterparts. The biggest reason for this difference is the fact that US parties do not control the nomination process as they once did. As a progressive reform in the early 1900s, states began to require parties to choose their candidates through voting of party members called a direct primary. Prior to these reforms, party bosses choose the parties candidates (president, house, senate, etc.). In a one party state, this effectively puts all of the power into the hands of the party elite. Ever since these reforms were put in place the power of the party has declined. The main consequence of this development, is that candidates do not have be loyal to the party. In fact, candidates can outright defy the party because they dont rely on it to be nominated, its up the voters in each party.

Another important cause for the decline of the US party is that voters have become much more willing to vote against their own party. Americans have developed a habit of voting split-ticket, which means they can choose a Republican for one office and a Democrat for another office. However, this habit seems to be in decline since the 1980s (See charts in the slide).15

National, State, County, Local (precinct)Precinct chair - delegates

National = RNCRepublican National Committee - RNC chair

DNCDemocratic National Committee - DNC chair

AP Government & Politics Timpanogos High School6.5c Organization

How are the two major parties organized?US parties have organizations at four levels: national, state, county, and local levels. However the parties are NOT organized from the top down. The national party organization has little control over the party organizations in the various states (state party organizations have more control over county and local party organizations). The national committees for each party sets the party platform and both committees work to get their party members elected to national office. Each committee is headed by a chair. Currently the DNC chair is Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Representative from Floridas 23rd district. The RNC Chair is Reince Priebus, a lawyer from New Jersey and a Greek Orthodox.

Besides setting the party platform (at the national level), the two committees organize the parties nominating conventions that is held in the late summer early fall of a presidential election cycle. The convention is where the delegates (elected by voters in the primary elections) formally choose the parties candidate for president. Although the convention is a rubber stamp to the primary elections, the convention represents an important opportunity to get press coverage, showcase their candidates, and get the party membership motivated (more about the conventions in the next slide)Each party organizes a national convention.

Purpose?Formal selection of the parties presidential candidate by pledged delegates = Rubber StampDevelop the party platformShow for the voters

Where? (Swing States)

Republicans 2016 Cleveland OHDemocrats 2016 Philadelphia PA

6.5c Organization AP Government & Politics Timpanogos High School

WatchBrokered Convention Possible (Student Dailey news Dec 2015)https://www.studentnewsdaily.com/daily-news-article/gop-preparing-for-contested-convention/

CNN Explainer: Conventionshttp://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2012/08/22/cnnexplains-crowley-political-conventions.cnn

17What is the party National Convention? What purpose does it serve?Similar to the electoral college for the general presidential election, voters in the primaries are not voting directly for a candidate. Rather, they are voting for delegates who are pledged to a particular candidate. The delegates attend the party convention (usually held in August and September), and cast their vote for the candidate they are pledged to.

The Republican system is more simple with a kind of winner-take-all for the party delegation of each state.

The Democratic parties process is more complex, with each state delegation being allowed to split votes between candidates. The Democrats also use a formula to reward states that have been loyal to the party with more delegates and thus more votes at the convention. Democrats reserve a portion of the convention seats for loyal party leaders, elected officials, and former candidates known as superdelegates. The superdelegates do not have run in the primary and are unpledged.

As mentioned previously, the National Convention has largely become a rubberstamp since the delegates are already pledged to a candidate ahead of time.

The location of the party convention is based on an important political calculation. The attention paid to party in the local media might tip the state in their favor. Consequently, both parties often look for swing states to hold their conventions.

Source: CNN article, delegate selection processThe Fight for Majority Control :

2001 - Jim Jeffords breaks from the Republican party(2002 - brings power back to the Republicans)

2006 - Democrats win back both the House and Senate

2008 Democrats gain more seats in Congress & elect a president!!

2010 Republicans take back the House

2014 Republicans take the majority in the Senate, solidify their majority in the House

Party Resurgence (CNN, 2008) . Republicans v. Democrats (Studio C)

Party in power usually gets the blame

6.5d Balance of Power Skim the each of the following articles to get a sense of the aftermath of the 2012 Presidential Election. Especially take note of how the loosing party begins to lick its wounds and how the winning party offers sage advice on the what the other party did wrong:

Carville: GOP routed by reality (CNN)http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/09/opinion/carville-buckwalter-poza-election/

Conservatives Dont Despair (CNN)http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/12/opinion/frum-conservatives-despair/

Is traditional America gone for good (Fox News)http://www.foxnews.com/transcript/2012/11/13/bill-oreilly-traditional-america-gone-good/

How Republicans can win future elections (CNN)http://www.foxnews.com/transcript/2012/11/13/bill-oreilly-traditional-america-gone-good/

After Inauguration, political reality returns to Washington (CNN) http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/22/politics/pol-back-to-reality/AP Government & Politics Timpanogos High SchoolThe Fight for Majority Control Presidency & CongressPresidency: (1932-2012)D = 12 elections (7 Pres.)R = 9 elections (5 Pres.)Comparing the period 1888-2008, there has been a bit more balance in the presidency. Republicans have won 16 presidential elections compared to 15 for Democrats.

Congress:Democrats have largely dominated (Dems control both houses for 40 years 1954-1994) - Republicans swept in to won 52 seats (1992-94 took back 63 seats in the House)

Republicans control the both houses from 1994 (Republican Revolution) through 2006

Control of congress in the period 1932-2014: House = Ds controlled in 31 terms, Rs 14 termsSenate = Ds in 29 terms, Rs in 1618Fight for Majority ControlRepublicans and Democrats have fought for majority control of congress for many decades. In the period 1932 through 1994, Democrats dominated the House and Senate. In fact in the 40 year period from 1954 1994, Democrats controlled both houses continuously with substantial majorities. The Republicans had been relegated to a permanent minority status. But as often happens, the down and out party make a comeback. In 1994, the Republicans came back with a vengeance as part of the so called Republican Revolution (led by Newt Gingrich), sweeping both houses with substantial majorities.

Since 2001, one or the other party has enjoyed substantial majorities in the House. The Senate has been more evenly divided. In fact, just after the 2000 election the Senate was split 50/50 between Democrats and Republicans (only the second time in US history). The Republicans could assume the role of majority party since Vice President Dick Cheney could cast tie breaking votes in the Senate (The Vice Presidents role in presiding over the Senate is stated directly in the Constitution).

However, the Republicans could only claim their majority status for a few months. A Senate Republican, Jim Jeffords from Vermont, had been alienated by the Republican establishment and decided to switch parties. He officially declared himself an independent but announced he would vote with the Democrats on most issues. The Democrats thus gained the majority (by one vote albeit, but the majority nonetheless). The leadership positions in the Senate changed and the committees were now controlled by the Democrats. By the 2002 mid-term elections, the Republicans had won back the majority in the Senate and in 2004, the Democrat party was declared dead.

In 2006, largely due to the War in Iraq, but also because of a few high profiles scandals involving Republicans, the Democrats took back the majority in both houses of congress. After gaining control of the White House after the 2008 elections, the Democrats would essentially control the policy direction of the nation. Things were not looking good for Republicans. Once again, the down and out party made a comeback

By the 2010 mid-term elections, the Republicans had successfully capitalized on growing concerns over the levels of government spending, the debt, and the new health care law (Obama Care). Republicans took control of the House and gained some seats (though not the majority) in the Senate. In the 2014 mid-terms, Republicans increased their majority in the House and took back the majority (54 to 46) in the Senate.

ResurgenceAs you can see, when one party is declared dead they make a comeback. It seems that the American voters are reluctant to give one party or the other the majority for too long.

2004-20066.5 Balance of Power AP Government & Politics Timpanogos High SchoolRepublicans had control of the both the House and the Senate from 1994 to 2006. The chart in the slide above shows the balance of power for the congressional term starting in 200419Post 2006 House202 R

233 D

Post 2006 Senate:49 R

51 D

Government & Citizenship Timpanogos High School

6.5 Balance of Power - 2006 In 2006 Democrats take majorities in both the House and the Senate20

Pre 2010House Balance:255 Ds178 Rs2 vacanciesSenate Balance59 Ds41 RsPost 2010House Balance:

Senate Balance:Government & Citizenship Timpanogos High SchoolClerk of the House (Current Membership)6.5 Balance of Power - 2010 Republicans make a comeback in the House in the 2010 mid term election. 216.5f Critical Elections / Realignment

In Depth - Critical Elections / Realignment

Realignment & Dealignment :Watch Hip Hughes Historyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNpPj6MT1p0

Read this articlehttp://www.hank-edmondson.com/amgovchapt7/realigning-elections.html

Realignment For Dummies (HH)AP Government & Politics Timpanogos High School

What are critical elections? What is realignment?A critical election is an election that results in political realignment. This is a lasting shift or change in party loyalty where the majority party is replace by the minority party. This often happens with the emergence of important national issues (i.e. Slavery, Soviet threats during the Cold War, The War in Iraq, etc.), and the formation of new political coalitions. Ultimately, a majority of voters change their minds on which party to support.

Though it can be a matter of opinion which elections are critical. Most point to the following three elections as critical elections. 1860 (Election of Republican Abraham Lincoln), 1932 (Roosevelt and the New Deal coalition), 1980 (Reagan and the rise of the conservative South) , & 1994 (Republican sweep of Congress with the help of the Christian Coalition)226. 6 THE TWO PARTY SYSTEMPOLITICAL PARTIES Government & Citizenship Timpanogos High School23Party systems:One PartyTwo PartyMultiparty

Government & Citizenship Timpanogos High School6.6a The Two-Party System

What are the three types of party systems?There are three basic types of party systems:

One Party System A system where only one party is allowed to exist. If parties do get started they are quickly suppressed and the organizers of the party are arrested and jailed or possibly executed. One party systems, consequently, are usually associated with authoritarian governments. In the Soviet Union, the Communist party dominated government throughout the Cold War. China is also a one party system.

Two-Party System: Two parties dominate the political process. This does not mean that no other parties are allowed to exist, but that only two parties dominate. The United States is one of the best examples of a two party system.

Multiparty System: More than two parties have political power. This type of system in common in European countries. 24Multiparty System - UKGovernment & Citizenship Timpanogos High School

Britain has a multiparty system. However, two parties the Conservative party and the Labour Party currently dominate the Parliament.25House of Commons Coalition GovernmentHCmmns Debate (CNN 2013) AP U.S. Government & Politics Timpanogos High School

Coalition governments are a common part of multiparty systems. This happens when the leading party makes a deal with another party to form a ruling coalition (this stems from the simple fact that there must be a majority to pass any laws). The Conservative party (Blue) has a majority of seats in the British Parliament with 303mps. They have formed a ruling coalition with the Liberal Democrats (Yellow). Currently David Cameron leads the coalition as Prime Minister. The Second largest party is the Labour party (red), which represents what is called the opposition party. 26Israel Coalition government

Government & Citizenship Timpanogos High SchoolIsrael is good example of a multi party system. (play the slide to the see the graph of Israeli parties)27Why does the U.S. have a two-party system?

Why cant third parties gain any political traction?

U.S. has the winner-take-all system (This is sometimes referred to as First past the post)

Congress = Single member districts only one winner

President = Candidate with highest popular vote wins all of the states electoral votes

There is no reward for second place Thus no incentive to keep going

Example: Ross Perot won 19% of the popular vote in 1992, but won NO electoral votes.

In contrast: Europe = Proportional System

Reward for 2nd, 3rd place, etc. - Coalition governments

AP US Government & Politics Timpanogos High School6.6a The Two-Party SystemIn DepthWhy a Two Party system? Watch videoPart 1https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOL0hzUWn7I&index=6&list=PLDFB-v6YGZLEYo2d9dqm2fqYvKwkhVFJK

Part2https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdb9RD6E-Ec&list=PLDFB-v6YGZLEYo2d9dqm2fqYvKwkhVFJK&index=4&noredirect=1

Intelligence Squared Debate:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK6Ycz8Ae8k

28Why a Two-Party System?Winner take all/First past the post v the proportional systemCongress - candidates run in single-member districts in each state and win with a plurality of votes (meaning the highest number of votes, not necessarily a majority). There is only one winner in each district. In the U.S., unlike the European system, there is no reward for second place. For instance, a party could win 20% of the vote in each of the congressional districts, but gain no seats in congress. There is not much incentive for a party to continue if the party win votes but no political offices.

Presidency - a parties presidential candidate that wins a plurality of votes in that state wins ALL of the states electoral votes. The other parties get NO electoral votes. A second place candidate could conceivably win 49% of the popular vote in any given state and gain NO electoral votes. Once again, a third party will not last very long if they win popular votes but win no electoral votes.

European nations have a proportional system. This means that political parties gains seats in the parliament based on percentage of votes they get. For instance, if a party wins just 5% of the popular vote they pick up 5% of the seats 10% of the vote, 10% of the seats, and so on. Parties have incentive to keep running candidates for office because they are rewarded for winning even though it many be a relatively small percentage of the vote.Why two-party system cont.Legal & political barriers for third-party candidates:Ballot access Wasted vote principleTwo major parties are institutionalizedBrand Name . Raising money

No charismatic third party leaders or platformsThird parties tend to be more extreme Americans dislike

Case Study:National, online primary?

AP U.S. Government & Politics Timpanogos High School6.6 The Two-Party SystemRequired ReadingFatally Flawed, Why Third Parties Still Fail (CNN 2012)http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/21/politics/third-party-fail/index.html

29Why a Two-Party System?Third party Candidates face substantial barriers, both legal and political:Each state sets the requirement for ballot access for the various candidates (i.e. states decides the requirements for a candidate to get on the states ballot).

In all 50 states, Democratic and Republican candidates are automatically put on the ballot. Third party candidates, on the other hand, must get thousands of signatures just to get on the ballot. In some states these signatures must be gathered months in advance of the election. This costs a great deal of money. Many states require the number of signatures to be equal to about 3% of registered voters. By some estimates, to get on the ballots nation wide, it would take around of 7.5 million signatures just to get your name on the ballot.

Additionally, procedural rules put in place by the states legislatures (always controlled by either Democrats or Republicans) also hinder third party candidates: rules such as deadlines for signatures (usually 10 months before the election) and signature verification requirements.

In Nov. 2007, Ralph Nader brought a federal lawsuit against the Democratic party and some of its leaders. Nader claims there was a vast conspiracy by the Democratic party to sabotage his 2004 efforts to get on the ballot in a number of states: Arizona, Oregon, and Pennsylvania among others. There is some evidence that the Democrats did work to undermine Naders campaign. Whether it was a concerted conspiracy however, remains to be seen. Why do you think the Democrats would work to keep Nader off the ballot? (hint: 2000 Election).

In addition to legal barriers, third parties face substantial political barriers. When there is a perception that a third party does not have a chance of winning an election, voters are less willing to vote for a party they might otherwise vote for. This is called the wasted vote principle.

The Two major parties are institutionalized. Their party organizations are well established throughout the country. Also, the two major parties have what we might can brand name. This simply means that American voter is familiar with the two parties and are therefore more likely to vote for them.

In the end, this allows the two major parties the ability to raise far larger sums of money that are required to win office. A third parties simply cannot match the fund raising power the Democrats and Republicans.

Its clear that third parties have an uphill battle to get a political foothold in U.S. politics, but they have not helped themselves either. Third party candidates and platforms tend to be extreme. American voters shy away from extreme candidates or positions. Also, there has simply not been any truly charismatic third party personalities nor platforms.

Case Study: Americans Elect, an organization devoted to the idea that America needs more choices in the presidential election, proposed a national online primary election. This would effectively do away with the current primary system which is set up as a primary season from January to June. The organization then went on a nation-wide search for a third party candidate in the lead up the 2012 presidential election. Americans Elect had done all of the leg work to field a viable alternative to the two major parties. Problem was, no one showed up to run, at least no one who was charismatic enough and well-known enough to be competitive. The organization soon went into hibernation. The Americans Elect movement is good example of how hard it is to break into the established two party system.

Government & Citizenship Timpanogos High School

There seems to be a bit of a self fulfilling prophecy at work. Voters may like a third party, but they often feel that party cant win, so they dont vote for the party, and therefore the party doesnt win. 306.7 THIRD PARTIESROLE OFGovernment & Citizenship Timpanogos High School

317a Third Parties defined Any party other than the two major partiesWhat are the major types of Third Parties in U.S.?Single issue Ideological . Splinter

7a-b What effect do third parties have?Potentially swing elections SpoilersTeddy Roosevelt and the Bull Moose party (1912)Ralph Nader and the Green party (2000)

Government & Citizenship Timpanogos High School6.7a-b Third Parties

Third PartiesWhat are Third Parties and what effect can they have in on elections?Third parties are any organized party that is not one of the two major parties

Third parties are divided into three categories:

Single Issue parties: these are political parties that are focused mainly on one issue hence the name. Examples are the Liberty party that opposed slavery in the mid 1800s, and todays Pot party focused on the legalization of marijuana.

Ideological parties: these are parties that seek some fundamental economic, political, or social change in American society. The Socialist party, and the Communist USA party are examples

Splinter parties: these are parties that have broken away from one of the major established parties. One of the best examples historically was the Bull Moose party led by Teddy Roosevelt.

Third parties can potentially swing elections. In both the 1912 election and the 2000 election, third parties determined the outcome of the election by siphoning off votes from one or the other major party candidates. Because of their potential effect, third party candidates are sometimes called spoilers.

In the 1912 presidential election, Teddy Roosevelt broke from the Republican party after loosing the nomination to William Howard Taft. As a third party candidate Roosevelt siphoned votes away Taft by winning 27% of the popular vote and 88/531 electoral votes ( Taft won 23% of the popular vote with only 8 electoral votes). The split in the Republican party threw the election to the Democratic candidate Woodrow Wilson.

Green party candidate Ralph Nader only won about 3% of the national vote in the 2000 presidential election in which Florida was the key state (which ever candidate won Floridas 25 electoral votes would win the election).

Nader won about 97th votes in Florida. Most of those voting for Nader would have voted for Gore had Nader not been a candidate. Bush beat Gore in Florida by only 537 votes!! The effect was the to throw the election in favor of Bush. Some started calling this the Nader Effect. Just after the election and during the 2004 campaign, some Democrats accused Nader of handing the election to the Republicans.

326.7b Notable Third Party CandidatesRalph Nader = Green Party

Ross Perot = Reform Party

Politics 1

Light Party

AP U.S. Government & Politics Timpanogos High SchoolRalph comments on a Trump third- party run (Fox News)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2_vThJFTzQ

33Nader ran on the Green Parties ticket in 2000, but ran as an independent in 2004. He ran again as an independent for 2008.

Nader usually adheres to a fairly liberal platform. Much of his focus centers around environmental issues, and would thus seem to align with the Democrats. Nader, however, has been critical of both the Republicans and Democrats. After the Al Gore lost the election in 2000, Nader said: If Gore cant beat that bumbling Governor from Texas, he doesnt deserve to win.

In the 1992 presidential election, as the candidate for the Reform party, Ross Perot received the highest number of popular vote of any third party candidate in many years (about 20% of the popular vote). Perot drew most of his votes from Republicans and this became one factor in President George Bushs loss to Bill Clinton.

6.7c Is it time to end the two party system?John Huntsman calls for Third Party (RIT video)Dealignment and the rise of the Independent (non affiliated) Voter

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In DepthWatch: Is it time to end the two party system? (RT News)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiEt6703L1oSixty percent of Americans believe that we need a third party as an alternative to the two major parties (See chart above). In fact, voter dissatisfaction with the two major parties is at all time high and Americans are becoming more and more unaffiliated, meaning that they increasingly do not affiliate with either Democrats or Republicans (See second chart above). This trend is called dealignment.

In this political environment, it would seem that some third party would easily rise in the political scene. But recall third parties have a hard time gaining political traction: The wasted vote principle, legal barriers, and the lack of charismatic candidates and platforms all hinder third parties. Laws can be changed, but to get a viable third party will take a major convergence of political circumstances and changing attitudes. I dont expect this happening any time soon. 34Third PartiesAre third parties making America ungovernable? (intro to video)Government & Citizenship Timpanogos High School

6.8 ElectionsElectionsGovernment & Citizenship Timpanogos High School366.8b Election Cycles Voter Turnout Presidential Elections v.Primary Season v. General SeasonVoter Turnout?Campaign Strategy?

Mid Term ElectionsPrimary Season v. General SeasonVoter Turnout?Campaign Strategy?

Government & Citizenship Timpanogos High SchoolIn DepthRead: Voter Turnout Stays Low (NY Times, 2010,)http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/14/primary-voter-turnout-stays-low-but-more-so-for-democrats/?_r=0

Read: Voter turnout lower than 2008 and 2004 (CNN, 2012http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/11/08/report-shows-turnout-lower-than-2008-and-2004/

Read: Voter turnout lowest on record (Washington Times, 2012)http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/inside-politics/2012/oct/11/turnout-2012-statewide-primaries-lowest-record/

Presidential v Midterm Turnout ElectionsPrimary Election TurnoutElection Cycles: Voter TurnoutIn the last three presidential election cycles, voter turnout is hovering around 60%. When considering VEP (Voter eligible population), voter turnout in the 2012 presidential election cycle was at 57.5% of all eligible voters, compared to 62.3% who voted in 2008 and 60.4% who cast ballots in 2004. In 2000, the turnout rate was 54.2%.372010 PrimariesIncumbent Bob Bennett was unseated by Mike Lee at the 2010 Utah Republican convention

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38In-Depth Party Coalitions Party FactionsBoth Democrats and Republicans have developed factionsTea partyBlue Dog Democrats

Fiscal Crisis Cliffhanger (Frontline 2013)

AP U.S. Government & Politics Timpanogos High School

In Depth

Read: Obama Abandoned Us (Politico, Dec 2014)http://www.politico.com/story/2014/12/liberals-obama-abandoned-us-113516.html

Read: After The Blowup (Politico)http://www.politico.com/story/2014/12/budget-white-house-barack-obama-nancy-pelosi-113558.html?hp=t3_r

Neither the Democrat nor the Republican party always act as a unified group. There are divisions (sometimes called wings or factions) within the parties. The rise of the Tea Party movement within the Republican party is a good example. The tea party started in 2009-10 with an influx of a much more conservative and more zealous group freshman congressman. They were obsessed with reducing the size and scope of the federal government focusing particularly the national debt. The tea party blamed not only the Democrats, but they also blamed the so-called establishment Republicans.

ResourcesRead CNN Story on 2014 Primaries: http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/06/politics/may-6-primaries-gop-tea-party/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Read Frontline interview Spear Carriers: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/government-elections-politics/cliffhanger/the-gop-freshmen-of-2010-spear-carriers-with-a-mission/

Watch Frontline's story on the debt ceiling crisis of 2010 Cliffhanger: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/cliffhanger/392008 PrimariesJason Chaffetz unseated incumbent Chris Cannon in the 2008 Utah primaries

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In one-party states (like Utah), the real political battle happens during the primaries. Two of Utahs establishment candidates were unseated by younger tea party style candidates. Jason Chaffitz unseated long term representative Chris Cannon in the 2008 primaries and Mike Lee unseated long-term Senator Bob Bennett in the 2010 mid term elections.

In Utah, of relatively small group of state delegates determine who the Republican candidate will be. Some have called for reforms of the Utahs caucus system to one that provides more a direct primary. 406.8 Elections - VideoClinton . Republican Intro Perry GaffeHomer Simpson votes for RomneyAwkward Moments 2014 Primary Election Explainer (Vox)

Video Clips shown in class41200720082009201020112012Primary elections / seasonOpen v Close PrimaryCaucus v. Direct PrimarySuper TuesdayGeneral elections / seasonMid term electionPresidential electionParty conventionDelegatesIncumbentInauguration

6.8a ELECTIONS - TIMELINESee the Screen Casts (2 parts) on the AP Gov. website for an overview of the election timeline42