Political parties are organizations that share common political goals and seek to get their members elected to public office to advance those goals. Most countries have a party system consisting of either one dominant party, two major parties, or multiple parties. The United States has a two-party system with the Democratic and Republican parties vying for control of the government. While the parties agree on some basic principles, they differ in their approaches to issues like the role of government and how to help citizens. [/SUMMARY]
2. What is a Political Party?
An organization of people
Share the same ideas of
government
Members committed to
party goals.
Get laws passed to aid
party goals
GOAL: TO GET INTO
POWER AND RUN THE
COUNTRY.
3. Party Systems
Most countries have political parties
Party systems
– One party
– Two party
– Multi-party
4. U.S. Party System
Two party system
– Two major parties vie for office
– Other minor parties exist
– Major parties
– Democratic party
– Republican Party
5. Similarities of Major Parties in U.S.
All value personal rights,
freedoms
Educational opportunities for
all
Economic opportunities for all
Government duty- to protect
nation
Preserve environment
Help citizens
6. Differences
Disagree on ways to meet goals
Example:
– Democrats- government directly helps the poor
– Republicans- government helps economy and
poor get jobs
7. Benefits of Two Party System
Stabilizing
– Keeps people near the center
– Extreme ideas not supported by
populace
Continuity
– Government changes parties
often
– Transition is usually smooth
9. Multi-Party System
Three or more parties- Japan, Israel
Advantage- More voter choice
Disadvantage- Voters divided
No party gets majority votes
Must form coalition government
Coalition may not work-
– 50 governments in Italy since W.W.II
10. One Party System
Party and government are
almost the same- China
One party’s members run for
office
Head of government usually
head of party
Party members recruit new party
members
Party members given top
government jobs
11. Party Language.
Democratic
Social
Liberal
Conservative
Labour
Republican
National
12. Task: Challenge
What is the main objectives of the following
Political Parties around the world.
Scottish National Party (UK)
United Kingdom Independence Party.
Christian Democrats (Germany)
Labour (Canada)
Alliance Party (Northern Ireland)
13. HW: What is a Party Whip?
Research the following question. What is a
Party Whip?
What does it mean to ‘take the whip’
Can you give examples of controversies in
the Whip?