Similarities and Differences between Political Parties People with similar ideas about government create political parties. In the United States, members of two political parties, the Democrats and the Republicans fill most of the elected government offices. The United States is described as a twoparty system because we have two major political parties that compete against each other for government power.
How are Political Parties Similar (Alike)? 1. All Political Parties Organize to win elections Political Party’s goal is to win elections! The more elections that they win, the more people they have in office, the more power in government! Political parties help candidates win elections by funding, or giving money to their campaigns. Political Parties pay for rallies, flyers, bill boards, commercials and even traveling for the candidates! Political Parties work together in every state to get governors, senators and representatives elected. Political Parties also come together across the country during Presidential elections. For example during the 2008 elections Republicans came together to help John McCain and Democrats worked to help get Barack Obama elected! Winning is very important, and helps political parties grow in power!
2. Influence public policies Democrats and Republicans influence or shape “public polices” or our laws and actions on certain issues. For example, President Barack Obama set new “Public Policy” by asking Congress to create new Healthcare laws. Republican John McCain wrote and passed the “McCain Feingold Policy on Campaign Funds (Money)” while he was serving in the United States Senate. Any Republican or Democrat who holds an elected position has an impact on policy by writing laws, voting on laws or speaking to the media about different issues. Influence: To Change, to have an effect on, to shape
Public Policy: Set of laws, actions and plans by government on issues. Example: The Obama Administration policy on energy is that we need renewable energy sources to create jobs. Jillian Zuber
Key Middle School FCPS
3. Reflect both liberal and conservative views Political Parties hold many different views about many different issues. All Political Parties hold both liberal and conservative views. For example, in their campaign ads, brochures and other campaign media candidates may hold both liberal and conservative views.
4. Define themselves in a way that wins majority support by appealing to the political center At the beginning of the Elections process the candidates for the Republican and Democratic Party are very extreme to attract voters to support them for their Party’s nomination. During the primary election candidates run for the nomination of their party. For example, Hillary Clinton ran against Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination (or official endorsement of the party). John McCain ran against Mitt Romney for the Republican nomination. Members of the Republican Party and Democratic Party vote for which candidate should receive the official nomination for their party. During the primaries (early in the election process) Democratic candidates have very liberal views on important issues and Republican candidates have very conservative views to win the nomination of their party. As November and Election Day gets closer candidates take more moderate (middle of the road) views. Candidates who become more moderate appeal to the political center. A majority of Americans are moderate, or part of the political center because they have both conservative AND liberal views. By “appealing to the political center” or “moderate voters” the candidates hope to get the majority of the votes on Election Day. The Democrats and Republicans try to appeal to the political center to attract the MOST votes!
Liberal
Jillian Zuber
Moderate
Conservative
Key Middle School FCPS
How are they Different?
1. Platform A platform is a document which outlines the beliefs of a political party and the actions the political party supports. Platforms list the goals of the party (and/or candidate) and how they “stand” on the issues. Some of the major issues in the Democratic Platform of 2008 were renewing the American Dream, quality/affordable healthcare for all Americans and new American Energy. Some of the major issues in the Republican Platform were defending our Nation, supporting states and controlling government spending. Platforms show the major differences between Democrats and Republicans.
Interested? You can read every platform (including 2008) here at the American Presidency Project. Look for more issues! http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/platforms.php
2. Shown during the Campaign Differences between Democrats and Republicans can also be seen during the campaign. Candidates talk about their opinions and beliefs on many different issues at rallies, on T.V and during debates. Republican and Democratic candidates show many of their different ideas in public appearances during their campaigns!
Jillian Zuber
Key Middle School FCPS