Thursday, October 11, 2012

Ch 8 - Political Parties - Class 3

3. Why does the U.S. have a two-party system whereas the U.K. has a multi-party system?
4. What role do third parties play in American government? 
  1. Analysis: Two-Party v. Multi-Party System (EQ #3)
    • What are the causes of the two-party system in Senate and House elections?
      • Single-member districts creates a winner-take-all system
      • The United Kingdom uses proportional representation with parliament (its legislative body)
      • Ballot access  varies by state 
      • Redistricting by state political parties (gerrymandering) in many states creates safe seats
      • Incumbency advantage (i.e. name recognition, fundraising, experience) prevents serious challengers 
    • What are the causes of the two-party system in presidential elections?
      • 48 states in the Electoral College use a winner-take-all system
      • Two states in the Electoral College use a proportional representation system
      • Ballot access varies by state
      • Soaring cost of presidential campaigns
  2. Case Study: Third Parties in American Politics (EQ #4)
  3. Blog: Political Parties 
    • Remember the guidelines
    • Read and comment on as many as you can
  4. Twitter: Vice Presidential Debate
    • Debrief last night 

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