Political parties have become an integral part of American Democracy. The Constitution does not mention political parties. However, the first two political parties (the Federalists & Anti-Federalists) appeared when debating the ratification of the Constitution. In George Washington’s farewell address, he warned Americans about the divisive nature of political parties. However, throughout most American history, there have been two major political parties.
American political parties are organized on a national, state, and local basis. Every four years, the parties hold a national convention to nominate a presidential and vice-presidential candidate. They also meet to approve a party platform of issues and positions upon which the candidates will run. A party platform is a set of principles, goals, and strategies designed to address pressing political issues. Over time, parties can also change. There are periods throughout American History where parties have realigned and changed their platforms. This phenomenon is called Party Realignment.
During party realignments, some groups of people who used to vote for one party vote for the other one. Sometimes, political parties end, and new ones begin. Realignment happens because of significant events like a national crisis (war, economic depression) which solidifies the stance of one or more political parties. This realignment lasts for generations as it becomes entrenched in specific regions. There have been several periods throughout the United States history where the parties have realigned.
One of the most significant realignments was during the 1932 election. Many Republican voters shifted their vote to the Democratic candidate and winner of the election, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR). In this assignment, you will explore some of these changes and identify how these changes have impacted the party over time.
In this assignment, you will explore the differences between political parties and where parties have realigned in the past. You will begin by researching some of the current issues and where each party stands on these issues. You will also choose a current social or historical issue (or one that includes both, such as immigration) and explain how this change in a political party has shaped this issue over time. Finally, you will describe how citizen participation has influenced the political process regarding your party issue.
Big Questions
How have political parties realigned in the past? How has political party realignment impacted political issues?
Instructions
Watch the video on the history of Political Parties. As you are watching the video, take some notes on the history of political parties. These notes will help you complete your assignment.
Create a presentation that exemplifies the difference between political parties and where parties have realigned in the past. Use this Political Parties Presentation template (opens in a new window).
Download the template and follow the instructions on each slide to complete your presentation.
Include at least four images in your presentation.
Include at least two sources in APA citation format from your research.
Here are some sources that may be helpful as you complete your presentation:
Party Realignment And The New Deal (opens in a new window)
Party Realignment (opens in a new window)
Presidents (opens in a new window)
USE THE LINK BELOW FOR THE TEMPLATE TO USE and BE ORIGINAL and EASY TO UNDERSTAND.
Political Parties Presentation Template.pptx (sharepoint.com)
If unable to access this I am including the slides as an attachment.
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