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”

“Liberal” “Conservative”

Why do we have Political Parties?

The #1 purpose of political parties is to elect candidates who will enact

the party’s goals

Other Purposes of

Political Parties:

*Recruit and nominate candidates

*Provide campaign funds

*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.Educate voters of the dangers of liberal policies

B.Win elections and gain party majorities in national, state, and local legislatures

C.Collect dues from members to support candidates

D.Develop ideas that are ideologically correct for the party

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95etic8Io-w

Homework!!!Textbook Pages: 152-158, 162-164, 167-168Graphic Novel Pages: (None)