Political Parties
Table of Contents
History and Functions of Political Parties
Key Question: What role do political parties play in campaigns and elections?
Lesson: The Functions of Political Parties (9 Clips)
This lesson has students explore the functions of political parties by viewing video clips of Democratic and Republican party officials and elected officials performing these functions. Students will explain how political parties recruit and nominate candidates, get candidates elected, monitor the party in power and organize government.
Bell Ringer: The Early Formation of Political Parties (4:41)
Bell Ringer: The Historical Differences between the Republican and Democratic Parties (3:06)
Clip: Political Parties and Washington's Farewell Address (1:35)
Clip: The Polarization of Political Parties (3:08)
Clip: The History of Political Parties (2:56)
Clip: Political Parties and Political Culture (1:48)
Bell Ringer: Civil Rights and Political Party Realignment (2:08)
Clip: Symbols of the Democratic and Republican Parties (3:57)
Clip: Modern Two-Party System (2:56)
Clip: Role and History of Third Parties in the U.S. (5:51)
Clip: Third Parties in American Politics (5:00)
Bell Ringer: Third Parties (4 Clips)
The Impact of Third Party Candidates
Key Question: What impact(s), if any, do Third Party candidates have on presidential elections?
Clip: Role and History of Third Parties in the U.S. (5:51)
Clip: The Know-Nothing Party (3:32)
Clip: The Prohibition Party (2:26)
Clip: Whigs and Republicans (2:35)
Culminating Assessment: Choose one of the following options listed below:
Choose one of the two major parties and create a short political advertisement that would appeal to a large audience and distinguish your party from the other. This can be done through video, political cartoon, brochure, short scene or monologue.
Write a persuasive speech either defending the two-party system, or advocating for more third-parties in the American election process.
Research other countries and how they operate with many different parties. Have each group choose a different country and then present to the class.