Civics & Government · 12th Grade · Citizenship and Civil Society · Weeks 28-36

Political Parties: Role and Evolution

Explore the functions of political parties in a democracy, their historical development, and the challenges of the two-party system.

• Common Core State Standards
• C3: D2.Civ.10.9-12
• C3: D2.His.4.9-12

About This Topic

Interest groups and social movements are the primary ways that citizens organize to influence public policy outside of the voting booth. This topic explores the different types of interest groups, from labor unions to corporate lobbyists, and the tactics they use, such as litigation, lobbying, and grassroots mobilization. Students examine the debate over whether these groups enhance democracy by providing a voice for many or corrupt it through the influence of 'big money.' This aligns with C3 standards on the role of non-governmental organizations.

For 12th graders, this topic reveals the 'hidden' side of politics and the power of collective action. It helps them understand how a small, organized group can often have a larger impact than a disorganized majority. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation of how they would lobby for a cause they care about.

Key Questions

1. Explain the functions of political parties in the American political system.
2. Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of a two-party system.
3. Critique the impact of party polarization on effective governance.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the core functions of political parties in the US democratic system, such as candidate recruitment and policy agenda setting.
• Analyze the historical evolution of major US political parties, identifying key shifts in their platforms and coalitions.
• Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of a two-party system versus a multi-party system in terms of representation and stability.
• Critique the impact of increasing party polarization on legislative effectiveness and national policy-making.
• Evaluate the role of political parties in shaping public opinion and voter behavior.

Before You Start

Foundations of American Democracy

Why: Students need a basic understanding of democratic principles and governmental structures to analyze the role of parties within that framework.

Branches of US Government

Why: Understanding the functions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches is crucial for grasping how political parties influence and operate within these institutions.

Key Vocabulary

Party Platform	A formal set of principles and goals that a political party supports and advocates for, often updated at national conventions.
Party Realignment	A significant and lasting shift in the social or political basis of a major political party's coalition, often occurring during periods of major national crisis.
Party Polarization	The divergence of political attitudes away from the center, resulting in increased ideological distance between parties and reduced cooperation.
Two-Party System	A political system where two major political parties consistently dominate politics, with smaller parties having little to no success in winning national elections.
Third Party	A political party that is not one of the two major parties, often introducing new ideas or challenging the status quo.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Lobbying is just 'legalized bribery.'

What to Teach Instead

While money plays a role, lobbying also involves providing expertise and information to legislators. A 'Lobbyist for a Day' activity helps students see the educational role that interest groups can play.

Common Misconception

Interest groups only represent the wealthy.

What to Teach Instead

There are interest groups for almost every cause, including those representing the poor, the elderly, and the environment. Mapping the 'interest group landscape' helps students see the diversity of organizations.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Lobbying Game

Students represent different interest groups (e.g., environmentalists, oil companies, consumer advocates) and must try to convince a 'legislator' to support their version of an energy bill.

60 min·Small Groups

Gallery Walk: Social Movements Through History

Students create displays for different social movements (e.g., suffrage, labor, civil rights, environmentalism) and identify the specific tactics each used to achieve its goals.

45 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: Citizens United and Campaign Finance

Pairs analyze the impact of the Citizens United ruling on political spending and discuss whether money should be considered a form of 'protected speech.'

20 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Political scientists at think tanks like the Pew Research Center analyze voting records and public statements to quantify party polarization and its effects on congressional gridlock, informing public discourse.
• Campaign managers for presidential candidates, such as those working for the Democratic and Republican parties, develop strategies to mobilize voters based on party identification and issue alignment.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Imagine you are advising a new political party. What are three essential functions it must perform to be successful in the US system, and why?' Students should respond with specific actions and justifications.

Quick Check

Provide students with a short news article describing a current legislative debate. Ask them to identify specific examples of party polarization or cooperation mentioned in the text and explain how these actions impact the potential outcome of the legislation.

Exit Ticket

On an index card, students should write one historical example of a party realignment in the US and briefly explain the cause and consequence of that shift.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?

A PAC is an organization that pools campaign contributions from members and donates those funds to campaigns for or against candidates, ballot initiatives, or legislation.

How can active learning help students understand interest groups?

When students have to 'pitch' a policy change to a mock city council or state legislature, they realize that having a good idea isn't enough, they need data, allies, and a clear strategy. This active engagement helps them understand the practical mechanics of political influence beyond just voting.

What is the 'free rider' problem?

This occurs when people benefit from the work of an interest group (like cleaner air or better working conditions) without actually joining or contributing to the group themselves.

How do social movements differ from interest groups?

Social movements are often broader, less formal, and more focused on large-scale societal change, while interest groups are usually more structured and focused on specific legislative or regulatory goals.