Role of Political Parties

• Political parties – Organized groups

that seek to influence how the government is ran.

– Question:• Were there always

political parties in America?

In the beginning….

• 1787– During the Constitutional

Convention, the Founding Father’s started to divide themselves already.

• Federalists – Believed in strong

federal government

• Anti-federalists– Believed in strong state

governments

– Question:• Who should become

POTUS? – Federalists vs.

Antifederalists

A Father for the New Country

• 1789 – George Washington

becomes the 1st POTUS.

– Why? • He was neither

Federalist or Antifederalist

• “I’m just a General doing my civic duty for my country”.

Role of POTUS Washington and Political Parties

• Pres. Washington hated the idea of political parties. – Believed they would

divide the nation and “kindle animosity of one part against another”

– How do you keep this from happening?

Pres. Washington’s Cabinet

• Pres. Washington hired both federalists and antifederalists to become his Cabinet members.

– Secretary of State• Thomas Jefferson

(Antifederalist)

– Sec. of Treasury• Alexander Hamilton

(Federalist)

Washington’s Farewell…

• 1796– Pres. Washington is done

with his 2nd term.

– Wants to retire and go home to Mt. Vernon

– Gives final ‘farewell address’ to public

• Warns them to not allow political parties to develop.

– So, what happens next?

Election of 1796

• John Adams– Federalist

• Thomas Jefferson– Antifederalist

• John Adams wins!– However

• TJ becomes VP

• Next 4 years, nothing gets done….

Functions of Political Parties

1. Assisting the electoral process

2. Organize day to day running of government

3. Makes it easier to pick candidates

Assisting the Electoral Process

• Political Parties #1 goal = WIN ELECTIONS!– How do you win elections?

• Get voters to elect your people!

– Therefore, you must help the electorate get registered to vote.

• The body of people entitled to vote

Assisting the Electoral Process• Political Parties help people identify politicians

that share common beliefs

• Today:– Democrats

• Large active government• Environmental friendly• Socially driven ideas

– Republicans• Small government that stays out of the way• Low taxes• Rugged individualism

– Do for yourself. The rest will take care of itself.

Organizing the Government

• Who makes laws in our land? – CONGRESS!!!

• How is Congress leadership picked? – According to which political party is:

• Majority (Republicans) – Pick leaders of House and Senate committees

» John Boehner, Mitch McConnell

• Minority (Democrats)– Get what is left

Organizing the Government

• Executive Branch– POTUS usually

appoints people who are from his party or share his beliefs.

– Which positions can he fill?

• Executive Staff• Cabinet Members• Supreme Court justices

Has Pres. Obama used this power?

• Yep. – Sec. of State

• Hillary Clinton (Democrat)

– Sec. of Defense• Gen. Robert Gates

– believes Afghanistan is more important than Iraq

– Supreme Ct. Justice• Sonia Sotomayor

– Liberal – Represents minorities

Political Parties help nominate Candidates