POLITICS & POLITICAL PARTIES
The Two Party System – NOTES
Name: _____________________________
* QOD: “Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the
baneful effects of the Spirit of Party, generally… It agitates the Community with ill-founded Jealousies and false
alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot & insurrection. It opens the
door to foreign influence and corruption.” – GEORGE WASHINGTON (in his farewell address, 1796)
1.) How did the George Washington feel about political parties?
2.) CRITICAL THINKING: Think about the HISTORICAL CONTEXT (1780s & 90s) in which the ‘Founding Fathers’ were
operating. What might be an example providing a reason or justification for the ‘Founding Fathers’ disdain of
political parties?
I. INTRO. VIDEO – “CRASH COURSE U.S. HISTORY: WHERE U.S. POLITICS CAME FROM”
A.) Alexander Hamilton and the FEDERALISTS – “Who were they & WHAT DID THEY WANT?”
B.) Thomas Jefferson and the ANTI-FEDERALISTS – “Who were they & WHAT DID THEY WANT?”
* DIFFERENT VIEWS ON HOW THE U.S. SHOULD BE GOVERNED = POLITICS!
* FEDERALISTS AND ANTI-FEDERALISTS EMERGE DURING DEBATE OVER THE RATIFICATION OF THE CONSTITUTION!
II. “WHY DOES THE UNITED STATES HAVE A TWO PARTY SYSTEM?”
A. REASONS #1 & 2: HISTORY! …& TRADITION!
1.) “Why do most people in the U.S. support the two party system?”
C. REASON #3: INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS!
1.) SINGLE-MEMBER districts & “WINNER-TAKE-ALL” elections (vs. Proportional Elections)
2.) The ELECTORAL COLLEGE encourages TWO Strong Candidates… WHY?
3.) BALLOT ACCESS LAWS
* Think about what two parties have control throughout the country… Who makes laws? Who wants to win
elections? How do these two parties keep control? Who controls state politics? Who controls federal politics?
D. REASON #4: AMERICAN IDEOLOGICAL CONSENSUS!
1.) Although the U.S. is a pluralistic society… Centrist/Moderate America!
E. REASON #5: PARTY IDENTIFICATION/SOCIALIZATION!
* Democrats and Republicans are the most visible, long-lasting, stable, etc.
POLITICS & POLITICAL PARTIES
“Why A Two Party System?” – Reading & Questions
Name: _____________________________
Directions: Read the provided supplemental material. When you are finished, answer the following questions.
1.) Define: “single-member district”
2.) How does the United States’ use of single-member districts serve as an institutional factor in reinforcing the
two party system? Make sure to explain your answer.
3.) How does the Electoral College serve as an institutional factor in reinforcing the two party system throughout
the country? Make sure to explain your answer.
4.) Explain how Ross Perot’s experience as a Presidential candidate serves as an example of the Electoral College
reinforcing the two party system.
5.) How is the prevailing two party system built into the United States’ prevailing cultural norms and values? Make
sure to explain your answer.
6.) Define: “party socialization”
7.) How does party identification reinforce the two party system throughout the United States? Make sure to
explain your answer.