POLITICAL BEHAVIOR

1. POLITICAL BEHAVIOR Party Systems History of Political Parties Organization of Political Parties Democrats – Republicans Third Parties Political Party Platforms Functions of Political Parties Political Parties – Choosing Candidates Liberal v. Conservative Voting Elections Influencing the Government

2. PARTY SYSTEMS • One PartySystem – A system in which there is only one major political party. The party runs the government. (Example – Communism; China, North Korea, Cuba) • Two Party System – A system in which two major political parties battle for control of the government. (Example – United States; Democrats & Republicans) • Multi-Party System – A system in which three or more political parties impact elections, and battle for control of the government. (Example – France, Germany, England)

3. History of Political Parties • Democratic-Republican Party– Thomas Jefferson – Wanted to limit the power of the federal government – more power to state government. • Federalist Party – Alexander Hamilton – Wanted a strong national government to protect people’s rights, and solve problems created by a weak government under the Articles of Confederation.

4. ORGANIZATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES

5. DEMOCRATS & REPUBLICANS • Democrats – Believe that the government must be active in solvingsocial problems.This generally leads to bigger government and increased taxes. • Republicans – Believe that problems will be solved by the government being less active, and letting people solve problems.

6. THIRD PARTIES • Parties that do not have enough following to compete and win elections on the national level. • Third Parties offer an alternative to major parties. They are important because if they gain support, the issues that are important to them will be recognized by the major parties. • There is no legal barrier to a third party becoming a major political party.

7. 5 Functions of Political Parties • Campaigning for Candidates – help politicians get elected to office. • Informing Citizens – help citizens get information about issues, and how government operates. • Help Manage Government – appoint loyal members to certain jobs. • Linking Different Levels – provides a link between local, state, & federal government. • Watchdog – alert public of wrongdoing.

8. Political Parties – Choosing Candidates • Primary Election – an election in which the political parties choose candidate for office to compete in the general election. • Direct Primary – election in which voters choose candidates for political part in general election. • Closed Primary – only registered members of political party can vote. • Open Primary – choose party, can only vote in one, do not have to be a registered member. • Plurality – most votes among those running wins. • Run-Off Primary – if majority is necessary, top (2) have a run-off • Petition – unaffiliated candidates must get on ballot by petition. (Ralph Nader)

10. POLITICAL IDEOLOGYLIBERAL v CONSERVATIVE LIBERAL (LEFT) • Liberals feel the government has a responsibility to solve social problems. • Liberals think that the government must regulate business to protect society from harmful business practices. CONSERVATIVE (RIGHT) • Conservatives feel that the government should be less active. • Conservatives feel that government regulation tends to decrease productivity and harms the economy. There are various degrees of being liberal and conservative. Democrats tend to be mildly liberal, and Republicans are mildly conservative. Third parties offer a more radical move to right or left.

11. VOTING HISTORY • White Males 21 years of age or older (early US history) • Black Males (15th Amendment) • Females (19th Amendment) • 18 Years of Age REGISTERING TO VOTE • Where? – County Offices, DMV • What? – Proof of Citizenship, Address, & Age – Driver’s License or Birth Certificate QUALIFICATIONS TO VOTE • 18 Years of age • Resident of state for a specific amount of time • Citizen of the US • States may deny if you have committed a serious crime • Cannot vote while in prison VOCABULARY • Polling Place – location where people vote • Precinct – a voting district (geographic area) • Ballot – list of candidates on which you vote • Returns – counting of ballots • Exit Poll – sample of voters and how they voted

12. ELECTIONS ELECTION PROCESS • Declare Intent to Run for Office • Primary Election • General Election PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION • Primary Election • General Election • Electoral College CAMPAIGNS • Canvassing – going door to door getting info out about candidates • Endorsements – using celebrities & other politicians to gain support • Advertising & Image Molding – using television, newspaper, radio, internet to portray candidate a particular way CAMPAIGN FINANCING • Public Financing – Presidential Election Campaign Fund - &3 on tax form. 3rd party candidate are eligible if they receive 5% of vote in previous election. • Private Funding – Individual Citizens, Party Organizations, Corporations, Special Interest Groups, PACs, Soft Money

13. Influencing the Government Forming Public Opinion (4) Sources of Public Opinion • Personal Background • Mass Media • Public Officials • Interest Groups The Mass Media • Print (newspapers, magazines) • Electronic (radio, television, internet) Interest Groups • Interest Group – organization that supports a particular issue. • PAC – political action committee. Raise $ to get candidates elected. • Lobbyist – person hired by interest group to provide info and influence politicians.