“Political parties are made up of groups of people who share common ideas or ways of thinking about government. These groups try to get their candidates into public offices where they will promote the group's ideas. Since the late 1700s, political parties have named most of the candidates for Congress, the vice presidency, and the presidency. Political parties are not mentioned in the Constitution. They exist by custom, not by law.
In Chapter 11, you will learn about the history of the U.S. two-party system, political parties today, and the election process. You will also learn about ways citizens can get laws changed through initiatives and referendums.”
Questions to think about in this chapter:
1. Explain the purpose of political parties
2. Identify the two major political parties and how they developed
3. To give reasons why minor parties are important
4. Describe the functions of political parties and the party platform.
5. Name the types of primary elections
6. Describe the format of national political conventions
7. Explain how candidates campaign for office
8. Describe voting and the steps in the election process.
9. Explain the uses of the initiative and referendum