Slideshow prepared for a series of presentations on the role of political parties in American politics for PS 101 American Government at the University of Kentucky, Spring 2008. Dr. Christopher S. Rice, Lecturer.

1. Political Parties
Dr. Christopher S. Rice

2. What is a political party?

3. Political Party
An ongoing coalition of
interests joined together in an
effort to get its candidates for
public office elected under a
common label.

4. 2

5. Parties give citizens the
capacity to act together

6. Enables people from
diverse backgrounds
with diverse interests to
unite behind a single
alternative

7. “It is the competition of [parties]
that provides the people with an
opportunity to make a choice.
Without this opportunity popular
sovereignty amounts to nothing.”
- E.E. Schattschneider

8. Party Coalition
the groups and interests
that support a party

9. The Necessity of
Coalitions