U. S. Government/Voting Registration and Participation/Political Process
Functions of Political Parties
[edit | edit source]What roles do political parties play in the American political process?
- Recruiting and nominating candidates
- Educating the electorate (voters) about campaign issues
- Helping candidates win elections
- Monitoring actions of officeholders
Political parties play a key role in government and provide opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process. The American political process is characterized by a two party system.
How are political parties similar?
- They organize to win elections
- They influence public policies
- They reflect liberal and conservative views
- They define themselves in a way that wins majority support by appealing to the political center
How are Democrats and Republicans different?
Democrats (Liberals; the Left) often support more government involvement in social problems, more likely to support tax increases, and more likely to support labor unions
Republicans (conservative; The Right; GOP: Grand Old Party) are more likely to supporot reducing the power of the federal government and give more power to the states, and more likely to support military spending
How do third parties influence government?
- They introduce new ideas or press for particular issues
- Often revolve around a political personality (Theodoroe Roosevelt)
Although third parties rarely win elections, they play an important role in politics.