UNIT 2: Political Process

1. UNIT 2: Political Process The Political System and Political Parties

2. The Two-Party System • In the United States today, we have a two-party system, which means that we have two main political parties. • In fact, the United States has hundred of parties, but they do not usually have a significant impact on national politics. • The two main political parties in the United States currently are the Democratic and Republican parties.

3. Advantages of the Two-Party System • The parties have been almost equal in strength since the Civil War. • They want to attract as many voters as possible. This means: • Both parties offer ideas and policies that are more moderate than extreme • They know if they fail to please a majority of voters, those voters may join the other party. • This means that government policies are unlikely to change drastically in a short period of time.

4. Other Systems of Government • Multiparty Systems • More than two strong political parties • No one can win a majority, so that have to form a coalition (agree to work together) to gain a majority. • Can work but is often weak and can fall apart over time • One-Party System • Voters have no choice between political parties • Forming any other party may be against the law • Governments often called dictatorships/totalitarian

5. Democratic Party • Generally considered to be more liberal • Tend to believe that government can and should act for good • This can mean possibly spending more tax dollars • Favors a greater role for the federal government • includes providing social programs through national programs

6. Republican Party • Generally considered to be more conservative • Tend to oppose government programs as solutions to national problems • Example: Favors a smaller role for the federal government in running social programs • They believe they should instead be created and run by state and local governments and nongovernmental organizations

7. Third Parties • Minor political parties in a two-party system • Even though their candidates do not win the election, third parties can have great influence on national politics. • Examples: • Theodore Roosevelt formed his own third party after not receiving the 1912 Republican party nomination. Running as his own party’s candidate, he took enough votes away from the Republican candidate Howard Taft that he actually helped the Democratic candidate Woodrow Wilson win the presidency.

8. Libertarian Party • Not explicitly “left” or “right” • Self-described as “more socially liberal than the Democrats, but more fiscally conservative than the Republicans.” • They emphasize personal liberty, free trade, migration, and avoiding interfering in the affairs of other nations (with our military and economy)

9. Socialist Party • Party is currently split as “Social Democrats, USA” and “Socialist Party USA” • Considered Moderate-Left • Over the years, they have supported: • the formation of labor unions to protect skilled workers (teamsters, factory workers, teachers, etc.) • establishing a national minimum wage for all workers • civil rights movements and general equality • bringing big businesses under public ownership, making workers responsible for their own success

10. Communist Party • Has changed over the years, but still favors a dramatic shift in government structure and policy in the United States. • Describe themselves as “A militant, activist, working class party that unites workers, students, professionals and farmers from various backgrounds in a fighting organization.” • Support equality of all citizens and removal of all social class structures, and the sharing of all resources and money • Considered Left on the political spectrum

11. Constitutional Requirements for Running for Federal Office

12. Requirements for Running for State and Local Office