<p> Name ______2013-14 Political Parties Date ______Period: 1 2 3 5 6</p><p>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. your lecture notes/textbook for ideas (www.gop.com & www.dnc.org). of 3-4 central policy goals (“planks”) for the Democrats.</p><p>Republicans:</p><p>Democrats: </p><p>4. Take a moment to drink in the technology. Consider how much more sophisticated these tools 5. Take a moment to contrast style/tone/attitude between these two major sites. What subtle are than the magazines, newspapers, and network news. Briefly list 2-3 of the most important differences do you find in the packaging of their message either verbally or visually? aspects, tools, or tech-gimmicks of these sites that make them such powerful tools of communication. Third Parties 6. Now head over to www.teapartypatriots.org and get a look at the most popular and successful third 7. Take a moment to reflect on this question: In a country where third parties so rarely muster party America has seen in decades. Notice the same “traditional functions” at work. After reading the popularity to make a difference, why has the Tea Party movement been so effective? 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 ask your parents for their take. </p><p>8. Head over to http://www.politics1.com/parties.htm for a list 9. At the same site, choose a LIBERAL third party that looks 10. Just for kicks, identify two extreme third parties that won’t of all political parties. Choose a CONSERVATIVE third party interesting and briefly summarize its platform. stand a chance in any national election. Summarize their that looks interesting and briefly summarize its platform. wacky/extreme platform. A. </p><p>B. </p><p>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? </p>