A History of the American Two-Party System
Each group will prepare a power point presentation summarizing the history of the two-party
system. Your presentation will be divided into six major parts; each part reflecting the six major
periods in this history. Below, I will give you an outline of what I expect in your presentation.
Name of
the two
major
parties
The views of each party
on domestic/
economic/social policy
The views of
each party on
international/
national security
policy
Identify any
party
members
who were
elected
president
during this
period
Identify 1-3
key party
leaders who
did not
obtain the
presidency
Pictures of
presidents
and leaders
matched
with
appropriate
party
The First
Party
System
(dates)
The Second
Party
System
(dates)
The Third
Party
System
(dates)
The Fourth
Party
System
(dates)
The Fifth
Party
System
(dates)
The Sixth
Party
System
(dates)
You can make this chart in a google document and use it as a prewriting organizer. You
will not be graded on this organizer, however. Your grade will be on your power point.
Each group (2-4 members) will also have to present TWO of the six party systems to the
class (one from the 19th century and one from the 20th century). Just because there are
six party system (periods) does not mean that each period should have an equal amount
of slides or information. In fact, the last two periods should be the longest with the most
information (and slides). The first four periods will be worth 100 points each and the
last two will be worth 200 points each for a total of 800 points in your project grade.
Your oral presentation is worth an additional 100 points. Yes, this is a big B.I.G. deal! It
doesn’t hurt to check in with me for guidance on your progress. This is due one week
from the date it is assigned. Presentations will follow after I check your final work.
Due__________