ElectionsCivics Unit 5

Political PartiesLesson 1

Questions Answer the following questions on

your own sheet of paper:• What do you want from your government?• What is a political party?• What does it mean to be a Republican?• What does it mean to be a Democrat?

Wants Many people want many different

things from their government:• Protection (military and personal)• Strong economy• Fair justice system• Clean environment• Civil liberties/rights/freedom• Assistance programs • Education

How? Alone an individual may have little

impact in getting what they want, a large group can influence large changes• Political Party: an organization of citizens

who wish to influence and control government by getting their members elected into office

VS.

How?? Parties influence government on all

levels in number of ways:• Election of Candidates• Setting goals• Leadership (once elected)• Voice of citizens

Setting Goals A political party established positions

on issues and set goals for the government• Platform: a statement on the party’s official

stand on a major public issues (overall)• Planks: position statements on each issue

on the party’s platform (specific)

Party for Two Our current two-party system

emerged in 1854 (birth of the Republican party)• Republican Party- Elephant • Democratic Party- Donkey

Republican Party Generally: small or reducing federal government

• Believe state, local, and none government organizations should take responsibility for government programs

• Usually against tax increases• Less likely to support labor unions

Democratic Party Generally: Big Federal

Government! • Federal government should take

responsibility for social programs Aid to the poor and disabled

• More likely to support tax increases to pay for government programs

• Strong supporters of civil rights• More likely to support labor unions

Third Party Although primarily a two party

system sometimes a third party emerges• Formed to support a specific idea or issue(s)

Examples:• Tea Party• Independent Party • Green Party • Communist Party • Constitution Party • Libertarian Party

Political Spectrum Use the information in Chapter 22

and page 598 to identify the major where each of the following lay on the Political Spectrum:• Republican • Democrat• Green Party • Independent Party • YOU!

The IssuesUnit 5: Lesson 2

Hot Toics Americans as a whole have very

different opinions about what the government and people should and should not be able to do• These areas are the “planks” on a

candidates platform

Health Care Health Care- the diagnosis, treatment

and prevention of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in humans. • The Issue: To be a meaningful presence in

the U.S. and live up to its purpose it must be adequate for the whole population. This requires a lot of money (workers, facilities, information and education, etc.)

Conservative (Republican) Why might the republicans not

support government funded health care?• They think:

The cost of health care should stay primarily private (your health=you pay) Help ensure the continual growth of the health care field Help ensure the government is not interfering in

personal health issues

Liberal (Democrat) Why might the democrats support

public health care?• They think:

We are one of the only developed nations that does not have a public health care system

Helps to ensure the physical health of every American, not just the ones who can afford it

Reduce the number of Americans in debt because of medical bills

Civil Liberties/Rights Civil Rights- Freedoms that were

outlined in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights that provide specific rights:• Right to life and property• Freedom from torture• Freedom from slavery and forced labor• Freedom of expression • freedom of assembly…and so many MORE!

Conservative (Republican) What do you think Republicans would

favor individual freedoms:• They think:

More individual freedoms= less federal government

Based on personal effort, achievement, and success (you get what you earn)

Liberal (Democrat) What do you think Democrats would

favor group freedoms:• They think:

Champion the rights of groups America is the land of opportunity and everyone

should get an equal chance for success

School Vouchers School Voucher (AKA. Education

Voucher) is a certificate issued by the government which parents can apply toward tuition at a private school or home school, rather than a public school

Conservative (Republican) Why do you think Republicans favor

school vouchers?• They think:

They are not unconstitutional Everyone has the right to a good education, but

parents get to choose what good is Private Schools Home Schools Religious Schools

Liberal (Democrat) Why do you think Democrats are not

in favor of school vouchers?• They think:

The government provides qualified teachers and schools free to the public

Federal government money used to pay for private religious schools equates to government support of religion

Vouchers take money away from public schools

Immigration Immigration- The introduction of new

people into a habitat or population. The immigration of Mexican citizens

to the U.S. has become a major issue. The Mexican economy is weak and the U.S. offers new job opportunities and a higher standard of living

Conservative (Republican) Why do you think Republicans want to

restrict immigration?• They think:

The U.S. should tighten boarder patrol Severely limit who comes into the U.S. to protect

American jobs Illegal families, regardless of circumstance should

be deported

Liberal (Democrat) Why do you think Democrats do not

care to heavily restrict immigration? • They think:

Help rebuild Mexico’s economy We should monitor immigration and follow laws

already in place Provide assistance to the children of immigrants The U.S. is a melting pot, we all come from

immigrants, restricting Mexican immigration is based on prejudice

Other Hot Topics Same-sex Marriage Abortion The Economy Government Assistance Programs Many, many, many MORE!