Political Parties - Complete Unit

Winning control of government through elections

Acting as a linkage institution between citizens and government

Representing shared political ideologies and policy preferences

Enforcing laws and punishing criminals

Party in the Electorate

Party as Organization

Party in Government

Party in the Judiciary

They would unite the nation.

They would divide the nation and invite foreign influence.

They would increase voter turnout.

They would improve government efficiency.

It was born from the anti-slavery movement in the 1850s.

Abraham Lincoln became the first Republican President in 1860.

The party led the nation through the Civil War and ended slavery.

It was founded by Andrew Jackson.

It leads to gridlock, making it difficult to pass laws.

It increases the power of the President.

It ensures one party controls all branches.

It eliminates government shutdowns.

Prevents coalition governments from being unstable

Voters feel their views aren't represented

Small parties have a high chance of survival

Single Member Districts make it hard for small parties

Higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy

Decreasing the federal minimum wage

Strong protections for labor unions

Reducing taxes for the wealthy

Lower taxes for individuals and businesses

Reducing government regulation on businesses

Increasing government spending

Aiming to reduce government spending

Strict interpretation of the Constitution

Strong defense of gun ownership rights

Emphasis on strong border security and national defense spending

Support for universal healthcare

Single-Issue

Splinter

Ideological

Economic Protest

Radical (Far Left)

Liberal

Moderate

Conservative

A platform is a broad statement of goals, while a plank is an individual issue within the platform.

A plank is the entire set of goals, while a platform is a single issue.

A platform is only about taxes, while a plank covers all issues.

A plank is a statement of tradition, while a platform is about reform.

PACs can donate directly to candidates but with limits.

Super PACs can raise unlimited funds but cannot coordinate with candidates.

PACs can raise unlimited funds from corporations.

Super PACs can donate directly to candidates.