Party Politics Continued
Evolution of the Two-Party
System
• Federalist Party
– First party to appear, created by Alexander
Hamilton
• Anti-Federalists
– Also known as the democratic-republicans
– Created by Thomas Jefferson
Party Dominancy
1800-1860
Democrats
13 of 15
elections
1860-1932
Republicans
14 of 18
elections
1932-???
Mixed Bag
FDR
The Minor Parties
• Ideological Parties
– Based on set of beliefs
• Some type of social, economical or political
• Socialist, Communist, Libertarian
• Single-Issue Parties
– Concentrating on a single public policy
• Ending slavery, abolishing alcohol
• Know Nothing Party, Free Soil Party, Green Party
The Minor Parties
• Economic Protest Parties
– Upset with major parties, demand change
• Greenback Party, Whigs, Populist Party
• Splinter Parties
– Parties that look like a major party but rally
around a big name
– Teddy Roosevelt’s Progressive party, State’s
Rights Party
Importance of Minor Parties
• Can become a spoiler when the major
parties are evenly matched
– Bush vs. Gore
• They bring important issues to the public’s
attention
Republicans vs. Democrats
Republicans vs. Democrates
• Government has grown
too large and should be
downsized
• Public education is
priority, but private and
home schools have a role
• Government should not
legislate personal
responsibility
• Pro Life
• Government should be
wisely used to improve
life for all
• Public education is a high
priority and should be
fully funded
• Civil rights should be
protected regardless of
color, gender, or sexual
orientation
• Pro Choice
Republicans vs. Democrates
• Environmental decisions
should be balanced against
economic impact
• Strong businesses provide
good jobs, so businesses
should be protected
• The wealthy should not be
penalized for making good
choices and making
money
• Health care should be
available, but it is not a
right and is best handled
by the private sector
• The environment is fragile
and should be protected
• Unions have the right to
strike
• The state has a
responsibility to assist the
poor, children, and the
elderly
• Health care should be
available to everyone
regardless of income