POLITICAL PARTIES

Liberals and Conservatives

FUNCTIONS OF POLITICAL PARTIES Nominating candidates

Help selects who runs for office Process screens people for best candidate

Informs the public Publicizes issues they believe are important Reach voters through TV, internet, pamphlets

etc Acts as a watchdog

Parties keep an eye on each other because they want to win

Will happily report any wrongdoings, problems, etc… about the other party.

They know the other party watches them.

LIBERALS Called “the left”. Favors expanding the government and govt

regulation. Often focuses on domestic issues: Social

Progress = Improving society Favors quicker changes. Often:

pro-choice Defends entitlements Gun control Stronger environmental protection Open to personal life choices (gay marriage,

legalize drugs)

CONSERVATIVE Called “the right” Historically favored limited government: less

spending. Believe people should help themselves or others

before the government. Resist changes. Favor tradition and established

values. Often religious views influence political involvement. Usually supports:

Pro life (anti-abortion) Less gun control Restricting personal behavior deemed immoral. The death sentence Less taxes

MODERATES In the middle Supports a variety of liberal and

conservative views. More open to compromise. Majority of Americans claim this

description.