1.
Political Parties
Political parties are organized groups that seek to influence government by winning elections and
shaping policy. The U.S. has a two-party system dominated by:
Party Ideology & Policies
Democratic Party Generally supports progressive policies, social welfare, government
regulation, and civil rights.
Republican Party Generally supports conservative policies, limited government, lower
(GOP) taxes, and traditional values.
Other Political Parties (Third Parties)
Libertarian Party – Advocates for minimal government and individual liberties.
Green Party – Focuses on environmental issues and social justice.
Independent & Other Minor Parties – Some candidates run without party affiliation.
🔹 Role of Political Parties:
Organize elections and support candidates.
Influence policy and legislation.
Mobilize voters and inform the public.
2. Interest Groups
Interest groups are organizations that influence government policies without running for office.
They represent specific causes, industries, or groups of people.
🔹 Tactics Used by Interest Groups:
Lobbying – Influencing lawmakers and government officials.
Campaign Donations – Contributing to candidates through Political Action Committees (PACs).
Public Awareness – Running ads, protests, and social movements.
3. Political Campaigns
Key Elements of Political Campaigns
Fundraising: Candidates rely on donations from individuals, PACs, and Super PACs.
Advertising & Social Media: TV ads, debates, and digital campaigns help candidates connect
with voters.
Debates: Candidates discuss policies in televised debates.
Voter Outreach: Rallies, town halls, and door-to-door campaigning.
🔹 Campaign Finance Regulations:
Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulates donations and spending.
Super PACs can raise unlimited funds but cannot coordinate directly with candidates.
4. Elections & Electoral Process
The U.S. follows a representative democracy, where citizens elect leaders through regular
elections at local, state, and federal levels.
A. Types of Elections
Election Type Purpose
Presidential Election Every 4 years; elects the President & Vice President.
Congressional Elections Every 2 years; elects Senators & House Representatives.
State & Local Elections Elect governors, mayors, judges, and legislatures.
Midterm Elections Occurs halfway through a president’s term; can shift Congressional power.
Primary Elections Selects party nominees for general elections.
B. The Electoral Process
1. Primaries & Caucuses:
o Parties hold state-by-state elections to select their presidential nominee.
o Two types: Open primaries (any voter can participate) & closed primaries (only party
members vote).
2. National Conventions:
o Each party officially nominates its presidential candidate.
3. General Election (November of election year):
o Citizens vote for Electors in the Electoral College system.
4. Electoral College:
o Each state has electoral votes based on its Congressional representation (House +
Senate).
o A candidate needs 270 out of 538 electoral votes to win the presidency.
o If no candidate wins 270 votes, the House of Representatives decides.
5. Inauguration:
o The elected President takes office on January 20th.
🔹 Key Issues in U.S. Elections:
Gerrymandering – Manipulating district boundaries for political advantage.
Voter Suppression vs. Election Security – Debates over voting access and fraud prevention.
Campaign Finance – The influence of big money in politics.
Contemporary Public Policy in the U.S.
1. Major Areas of Contemporary Public Policy
A. Economic Policy
B. Healthcare Policy
C. Education Policy
D. Social Justice & Civil Rights Policy
E. Immigration Policy
F. Environmental Policy
G. National Security & Foreign Policy
H. Technology & Internet Policy
