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AG-S1-Qtr2-U4
Political Parties, Mass Media & Interest Groups
American Government
The purpose of this unit is to better understand the role of political parties as well as nongovernmental bodies like
the media and interest groups, in our system of government. In this unit we will first explore the origins and
evolution of the political parties in the United States. We will also examine the various types of political parties
that exist. Then, we will speculate on the future of political parties in the United States. Finally, we will conclude
with an analysis of how mass media and interest groups influence government policy.
Essential Question: How do political parties, mass media, and/or interest groups promote and
challenge our democratic system of government?
Objectives:
You should be able to…
Political Parties
1.
Define a political party
2.
Describe the major functions of political parties.
3.
Identify the reasons why the United States has a two-party system.
4.
5.
Differentiate between multiparty and one-party systems and explain how they affect the
functioning of government.
Describe party membership patterns in the United States.
6.
Explain why the Founding Fathers were opposed to political parties.
7.
Analyze the origins of political parties in the United States.
8.
Explain the conflicting points of view that led to the development of political parties.
9.
Describe the reasons of the demise of the Federalist Party.
10. Analyze the role that political parties play in American politics today.
11. Identify and describe the three major periods of single-party domination and describe the current
era of divided government.
12. Name the types of minor parties that have been active in American politics.
13. Consider why minor parties are important despite the fact that none has ever won the
presidency.
14. Explain why the major parties have a decentralized structure.
15. Describe the national party machinery and how parties are organized at the State and local levels.
16. Identify the three components of the parties.
17. Examine the future of the major parties.
Mass Media
18. Examine the role of the mass media in providing the public with political information.
19. Explain how the mass media influence politics.
20. Name the factors that limit the influence of the media.
AG-S1-Qtr2-U4
Interest Groups
21. Describe the role of interest groups in influencing public policy.
22. Compare and contrast political parties and interest groups.
23. Explain why people see interest groups as both good and bad for American politics.
24. Explain how the American tradition of joining organizations has resulted in a wide range of
interests groups.
25. Describe four categories of groups based on economic interests.
26. Outline the reasons why other interest groups have been created.
27. Identify the purpose of public-interest groups.
28. Explain interest groups’ three major goals in influencing public opinion.
29. Describe how interest groups use propaganda to persuade people to their point of view.
30. Analyze how interest groups try to influence political parties and elections.
31. Examine how lobbying brings group pressures to bear on the process of making public policy.
Important people/events/ideas/documents:
Political party
Major parties
Partisanship
Party in power
Minor party
Two-party system
Single-member district
Plurality
Bipartisan
Pluralistic society
Consensus
Multiparty
Coalition
One-party system
Incumbent
Faction
Electorate
Sectionalism
Ideological parties
Single-issue parties
Economic protest parties
Splinter parties
Ward
Precinct
Split-ticket voting
Federalist Party
Jeffersonian Republicans
National Republicans
Democratic Party
Whig Party
Republican Party
Medium
Public agenda
Sound bite
Public policy
Trade association
Labor union
Public-interest group
Propaganda
Single-interest group
Lobbying
Grass roots
Essay Questions:
Suppose major officeholders from one particular party are not performing well, and the party is not monitoring
these officeholders. In what ways could this situation affect the party as a whole? Be sure to thoroughly explain
your answer.
Your textbook states, "America has a two-party system because America has a two-party system." Give
evidence to explain and support the meaning of this statement.
In what ways does the existence of minor parties also work to strengthen the United States' two-party system?
Be sure to provide examples in your answer.
What actions could a political party take at local, State, and national levels that would tend to strengthen the
party?
Compare the kinds of preparations that would go into a candidate's television appearance versus those that
might go into his or her radio broadcast.
Compare James Madison's views of factions with the observations of Alexis de Tocqueville concerning
associations. Which man was more concerned about the detrimental effects of interest groups? Provide
evidence to support your answer.