Political Parties

Two Party System Two primary political parties

Republican Democrat

Negatives Two extremes—where is the middle ground? Voters sometimes vote for the lesser of two evils Absence of successful third parties with

important ideas

Republican Party (GOP) Formed in 1854 to oppose slavery Represents “conservative” values

Conservative: Traditional and protective of the way things are such as Christian values, strong military protection, and small government

Examples: Abraham Lincoln Teddy Roosevelt Richard Nixon Ronald Reagan George Bush (both of them)

Originated in a political cartoon; a donkey dressed in lion’s clothes was scaring animals at the zoo—including an elephant

Republican Presidents

Republican Party: What they stand for Small government

Lower taxes Privatization of healthcare

(not government run) Big military/National security

Supported Iraq War/Afghanistan War Strong stance on border control Gun rights Pro-death penalty Pro-life

Anti-abortion

2012 Republican Candidate Mitt Romney

“Restore America’s Promise”

“Believe in America”

Democratic Party Formed in 1830 by Andrew Jackson as a voice for the

middle class Represents “liberal” values

Liberal: Open-minded toward all peoples, religions, and lifestyles and favoring change

Examples: Andrew Jackson Woodrow Wilson Franklin Delano Roosevelt John F. Kennedy Bill Clinton Barack Obama Originated when opponents of Andrew

Jackson referred to him as… well… you know…

Democratic Presidents

Democratic Party: What they stand for Big government

Raise taxes on upper-class Lower taxes on middle-class Universal healthcare

(government funded) Smaller military

Wants to end war Civil rights

Women, racial, and gay rights Lighter stance on border control (amnesty) Limitations on gun rights Anti-death penalty Pro-choice

2012 Democratic Candidate Barack Obama

“Forward”

Other Current Political Parties Libertarian Party: More individual freedoms,

smaller government (almost non-existent) Green Party: Strong focus on environmental

protection and peace Constitution Party: Committed to protecting

the rights of the Constitution, limiting the power of government, and protecting traditional values