Social Studies - 2018-19
CE.5b - Similarities and Differences of Political Parties
The student will apply social science skills to understand the political process at the local, state, and national levels of government by
b) comparing and contrasting the similarities and differences of political parties;
BIG IDEAS
UNDERSTANDING THE STANDARD
A two-party system characterizes the American political process.
Although third parties rarely win elections, they can play an important role in public politics.
ESSENTIALS
Similarities between parties
Organize to win elections
Influence public policies
Reflect both liberal and conservative views on the political spectrum
Define themselves in a way that wins majority support by appealing to the center of the political spectrum
Differences between parties
Stated in party platforms and reflected in campaigning
Third parties (e.g., Green Party, Constitution Party, Libertarian Party)
Introduce new ideas and/or press for a particular issue
Often take votes away from the two major parties
Often revolve around a political personality (e.g., Theodore Roosevelt)