1. Parties and What They Do American Government

2.

Political Party-seek to control government through the winning of elections and the holding of public office

3. Link between people and the government 4. Bring together interest groups

Soften impact of extremism (sometimes)

5. There have been MANY political parties throughout U.S. History

• Know-nothings, Barn burner Whigs, Bull Moose Party, Green Party, American Independent Party

What is a Party? 6.

Nominate Candidates

7. Informing and Activating Supporters

• Also done by the media and special interest groups

8. Goal is to win elections and promote their viewpoints in the best light (also to criticize competition!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhm-22Q0PuM

9. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP2GsRzROF8 10. http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/2008 11. http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/2000 What They Do 12.

The party ensures the good performance of office holders

13. Those chosen for office are usually chosen by the party 14. Partisanship-the strong support of their party and its policy stands

Parties provide a basis for the conduct of government-executive and legislative branch

15. Parties watch public business-they want to criticize the other party! Continued