Influencing Government

A Brief History of Political Parties
Politics: the process through which groups

make decisions.
Political Party: a group of persons who

seek to control government through the
winning of elections and the holding of
public office.
– Groups form based on common beliefs and
principles of government … WHY?

A Brief History of Political Parties
They want to bring about the adoption of certain

public policies and programs.
Parties have existed in America almost

since the founding of the country.
Examples

Federalists, Anti-Federalists, Whigs, Anti-
Masonic, Know-Nothings, Populists,
Dixiecrats

TODAY
Two-party system
Republicans and Democrats!

As a result, it is extremely hard for third

party candidates to be taken seriously.

Our Old Friend,
The Political Spectrum
Conservative
Liberal
Republican
Democrat

So, What’s The Difference?
Republican Democrat
Believes in small
 Believes in using

government
government to fix the
problems of society
“Hands off” when it

comes to business
Beliefs naturally lead

to large bureaucratic
Little government

government
interference in society
and the economy

Where do you think you stand?
Liberal Moderate Conservative

Political Parties

Review of Key Concepts…
Politics-

Struggle between groups (parties) to control or
influence the policies of government.
Two-Party System in the U.S.


Effect of Third Parties
They have little real impact on national politics

“Spoiler Effect” - what does this mean?

– Even if a minor party does not win any electoral
votes, it can “pull” votes from one of the major
parties
Ex: Green Party – 2000 Election

Your Thoughts
Why do they run if most agree they have no chance of winning?

Political Party Platforms
What do you think “platform” means?
 Formal statement of basic principles, stands on
major policy matters, and objectives for the
campaign and beyond.

Some political party symbols…

It’s Your Turn!...
The functions of political
parties…

The Presidential
Election
A snapshot of the events…

Republican/
Primary Primary
Democrat
Campaign Elections
Conventions
General
Electoral General
Election
College Election
Campaign
Inauguration
of the
President

EXAMINING THE
ELECTION PROCESS…
What do you remember from the
2008 Presidential Election?

Understanding the Electoral College
•Indirect method of electing a President
Definition
•Why would the founding fathers choose this
method?
Question
•Voters’ lack education and information
Answer

How many electoral college votes
does each state get?
#
#
#
House Electoral
Senators Reps
Votes
19
2 21
538 total electoral college votes, 270 to WIN!

Electoral Map
2000 Election

http://www.270towin.com/

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
What would happen if Presidential Candidate A wins 45% of the
popular vote in PA, Candidate B wins 35% of the popular vote,
and Candidate C wins 20% of the popular vote?
“Winner-take-all” process
Candidate A (majority of the popular vote) would
receive ALL of the electoral votes for Pennsylvania.