Development of Political Parties

1. What does the two-party system stem from?

2. How is the US system different from a proportional representation?
3. Are political parties in the Constitution? If not, where did they start?
4. What is the importance of the Election of 1800?
5. What changes were made during the mid-1800s to the political system?
6. How did the Great Depression bring about a major shift in the political party
alliance?

Third Parties
1. What are some reasons for creating a third party?
a.
b.
c.
2. Provide some examples and EXPLAIN them
a.
b.
c.
3. Why do third parties fail?

Structure of Political Parties

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2.
3.
4.
5.

How are political parties organized?

What is a political machine? How did they affect political parties?
How are candidates chosen for state office?
What jobs do each party have to operate?
What is the importance of the nation convention?

Functions of Political Parties

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

What important tasks do political parties perform?

Who do elected officials represent? What must officials do to appease them?
How do political parties attract followers?
What issues do Republicans usually support? Democrats?
How do political parties affect policy-making?