political battles between parties” (Flanders). Washington, Madison, Hamilton, and
Jefferson all disapproved of parties, but would be the ones who founded the first two
great American political parties. In 1789 Jefferson even went as far to say, "If I could not
go to heaven but with a party, I would not go there at all” (Flanders). As time goes on,
our political parties and how they function are always evolving. In politics, an eye is
being kept on third parties and what their future holds. While examining the modern
American political parties, it is essential to understand what they are, how they function,
and how they present dual party system has …show more content…
The main U.S. political parties today are the Democrats, Republicans, and then
the third parties. The Democratic party was founded in 1828. They believe in a “robust
government” and the “promotion of community and social responsibility”
(insidegov.com). There are many policies that the Democrats and Republicans have
opposing views on. While the Democrats support civilian gun control, legalization of
same-sex marriages, limiting private financing of campaigns, progressive taxation, and
universal health care, these are the same things the Republicans do not support. The
Republican party was founded in 1854. They believe in a “limited government” and the
“promotion of individual rights and justice” (insidegov.com). As mentioned before, these
two parties disagree on the policies they support. The Republicans support abortion
restrictions, capital punishment, and immigration restrictions, while the Democrats do
not support these policies. As far as religion is concerned, the Democrats feel there
should be a “strict adherence to the separation of church and state” and want to
“promote secular issues and a more secular nation” (insidegov.com). While …show more content…
Running candidates for office, checkin the other party, informing the
public and help to organize the government. First, candidates are elected by the parties
for many difference positions in politics. As written in the ushistory.org article, “W ith so
many officials to choose, most voters would be overwhelmed by the decisions they
would have to make if candidates did not wear party "labels." Parties present policy
alternatives for voters”. A straight ticket is even an option, which is voting for the
candidates associated with a certain party. The second role of the parties are to keep
the party in power in check. The party in power is kept from taking complete control by
the party holding the least seats in Congress. “The criticism of "partisanship" comes
from this party role because many Americans think that the "checking" becomes petty
and self-serving.” (ushistory.org). Their third role is to keep the public informed. Each
party supports a different handful of issues so they take stands and criticize each others
points of views. These discussions are both entertaining and informative to listeners.
Lastly, they organize the government. State legislators and Congress both