1. GO #4
Political Parties
 Political Parties play a key role in government and provide opportunities for citizens to
participate in the _political process_.
 A __two-party_ system characterizes the American __political process__
___Democrats___ __Republicans_____
Functions of political parties
 Recruiting and nominating candidates
 Educate the electorate about campaign issues
 Helping candidates win elections
 Monitoring actions of officeholders

2. Similarities between parties
 Organize to win elections
 Influence public policies
 Reflect both liberal and conservative views
 Define themselves in a way that wins majority support by appealing to the
political center
Differences between parties
 Stated in party platforms and reflected in campaigning
Third Parties
 Although third parties rarely _win_ elections, they can play
an important role in _public politics_.
 Introduce __new ideas_ and/or press for a particular
__issue_.
 Often revolve around a __political personality_
(e.g., Theodore Roosevelt in the _Bull Moose Party_)