STANDARD CE.5a
Political Parties

What roles do political parties play in the American political process?

Political parties play a key role in government.

Parties provide opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process.

Functions of political parties:
• Recruiting and nominating candidates
• Educating the electorate about campaign issues
• Helping candidates win elections
• Monitoring actions

STANDARD CE.5b
Similarities and Differences between Political Parties

How are the major political parties similar, and how do they differ?

A two-party system characterizes the American political process.

Similarities between parties
• Organize to win elections
• Influence public policies
• Reflect both liberal and conservative views
• Define themselves in a way that wins majority support by appealing to the political center

Differences between parties
• Stated in a party's platform and reflected in campaigning
 

How do third parties differ from the two major parties?

Although third parties rarely win elections, they play an important role in public politics.
Third parties:
• Introduce new ideas or press for a particular issue
• Often revolve around a political personality (e.g., Theodore Roosevelt)