Bellwork:• Write down the first three words you think of when

you hear the word: DEMOCRAT

• Write down the first three words you think of when you hear the word: REPUBLICAN

Political Parties

Mr. Hall’s Civics Class

Essential Question:• In the modern political system, what represents the

basic and fundamental difference between political parties?

How Many Parties are in the U.S.?• Two Major Parties:• Democrats• Republicans• There are more than these two. Smaller Parties are

called “Third Parties”:– Green party– Libertarian Party– Socialist Party

• Are there More???• Oh yes. Political Parties

What is a Political Party

• Definition: A group of citizens with similar views on some political issues who work together to put their ideas into effective government action.

- What does that mean? - Political parties are groups of people who pool

their resources and time to try and have the government do things they want them to do.

What are the differences between the Parties?

• There are many differences, some small and some pretty big, and specific differences changes depending on what parties you are comparing.

• Easiest Answer: Parties differ on the role the government should play in the day to day lives of the citizens, and which level of government should have the most power on a daily basis.

Political Spectrum

• The political Spectrum is split in half; with one side being referred to as the “Left” and the other “Right”

• Democrats?• Republicans?• Libertarians?• Anarchists?• Socialists?• Marxists?

The Simple Spectrum

Platforms and Planks• Each Party has a “Platform”.– Platform: Statement of the party’s views and policies on

important issues. A platform is a broad statement, such as : “We want to downsize the military.”

• Most large parties have platforms on issues that most Americans have opinions on: Education, healthcare, taxes, defense, environment, social issues

• Smaller parties are “single platform” or “single issue”; such as U.S. Pacifist Party.

Platforms and Planks (Con’t)• “Planks” are the individual ideas that are going to

be carried out to reach the goal in the platform.• For Example: Platform: “we want to downsize the

military.”• Possible Planks might be:– Close all Military Bases outside of the United States– Reduce the number of Nuclear Missiles– Reduce the number of Aircraft Carriers from 10 to 6– Decrease the Army from 48 Brigades to 36

• Think of all the “planks” fitting together to make the “platform”

Campaign Project

Chicago