Political Parties
What is a Political Party?
 An organization of people
 Share the same ideas of
government
 Members committed to
party goals
 Get candidates elected to
office
 Get laws passed to aid
party goals
Party Systems
 Most countries have political parties
 Party systems
– One party
– Two party
– Multi-party
U.S. Party System
 Two party system
– Two major parties vie for office
– Other minor parties exist
– Major parties
– Democratic party
– Republican Party
Similarities of Major Parties in U.S.
 All value personal rights,
freedoms
 Educational opportunities for
all
 Economic opportunities for all
 Government duty- to protect
nation
 Preserve environment
 Help citizens
Differences
 Disagree on ways to meet goals
 Example:
– Democrats- government directly helps the poor
– Republicans- government helps economy and
poor get jobs
Benefits of Two Party System
 Stabilizing
– Keeps people near the center
– Extreme ideas not supported by
populace
 Continuity
– Government changes parties
often
– Transition is usually smooth
Disadvantages
 Minority groups left out
 Ex. Civil rights
 Women's movement
 Needed major party support
Multi-Party System
 Three or more parties- Japan, Israel
 Advantage- More voter choice
 Disadvantage- Voters divided
 No party gets majority votes
 Must form coalition government
 Coalition may not work– 50 governments in Italy since W.W.II
One Party System
 Party and government are
almost the same- China
 One party’s members run for
office
 Head of government usually
head of party
 Party members recruit new party
members
 Party members given top
government jobs