Unit II Lesson 2

Purposes of Political Parties

Essential Question:• Why do Americans believe what they do about

politics and what role do families, schools and media play in the changing or perpetuating of these political beliefs?

• In what ways do Americans participate in their political system?

• How does participation vary among various racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups in the nation?

• How have political parties developed, how are they organized, and what effect do they have on the political process?

“Liberal” “Conservative”

In our next lesson…

“Liberal” “Conservative”

WHY do we have Political Parties?

Democrats Republicans

The #1 purpose of political parties

is to elect candidates who will enact

the party’s goals

$500

Million

Other Purposes of

Political Parties:

*Recruit and nominate candidates

When you think “Republican”

think of…

*Provide campaign funds

$665

$854

2014

*Educate and mobilize voters

*Provide balance to the opposition

Anarchy

“Conservative”

*Reduce conflict and violence in society

George

III

1776

But again, why do political parties DO all these things? What is their ultimate goal?

Political

Parties?

Which of the following is NOT a function of

American political parties?

A.Serving as the loyal opposition

B.Encouraging armed rebellion

C.Recruiting and funding candidates

D.Educating the public on issues

The primary goal of political parties in the

United States is to:

A.Recruit candidates

B.Win elections and enact the party’s goals

C. Provide campaign funds

D.Educate voters on the issues