Political Parties

1. Browse the major parties’ websites to make a bullet list of 5-7 tools/resources 2. Find the links for their official “party platform,” 3. Make a bullet list of 3-4 central policy goals
available on these sites that demonstrate these “traditional functions.” Refer to policy preferences, or stated beliefs. Make a bullet list (“planks”) for the Republicans. (Please choose the same
your lecture notes/textbook for ideas (www.gop.com & www.democrats.org). If of 3-4 central policy goals (“planks”) for the Democrats. issues for both parties).
you have time-visit the College Republicans (crnc.org) and College Democrats
(collegedems.com)
1. 1.
Republicans:

2. 2.

Democrats: 3. 3.

4. 4.

4. Take a moment to drink in the technology. Consider how much more sophisticated these tools
are than the magazines, newspapers, and network news. Briefly list 2-3 of the most important
aspects, tools, or tech-gimmicks of these sites that make them such powerful tools of
communication.
Democrats:
5. Take a moment to contrast style/tone/attitude between these two major sites. What subtle
differences do you find in the packaging of their message either verbally or visually?
Democrats:

Republicans: Republicans:
 Third Parties
6. Now head over to www.teapartypatriots.org and get a look at a popular and successful third party 7. Take a moment to reflect on this question: In a country where third parties so rarely muster
(OR is it just a faction within the Republican Party?). Notice the same “traditional functions” at the popularity to make a difference, why has the Tea Party movement been so effective?
work. After reading about them, make a bullet list of 3-4 central policy goals (planks”). You’ll find some answers on their site, but also feel free to do a little searching on the web.
1. 1.

2.

2.

3.

4. 3.

8. Head over to http://www.politics1.com/parties.htm for a list
of all political parties. Choose a CONSERVATIVE third party
that looks interesting and briefly summarize its platform.
9. At the same site, choose a LIBERAL third party that looks 10. Just for kicks, identify two extreme third parties that won’t
interesting and briefly summarize its platform. You need to stand a chance in any national election. Summarize their
actually go to the party’s website and look around a bit! wacky/extreme platform.
Party:
Platform:

Party:
Platform

Reflections…for class discussion

1. If it is such a well accepted reality that America is entrenched in a two party “duopoly,” why do you suppose so many minor parties still exist when it seems their efforts to win public office are in vain?