Civics Today: Citizenship, Economics, & You

"Political Parties Today"

Introduction
In this chapter you have read about political parties in the United States. George Washington disliked political parties and hoped that they would not develop in the United States. Today, however, two major political parties and several third parties are part of the American political scene. The Democratic Party and the Republican Party are the two most important political parties today. In this activity you will take a closer look at the history and workings of one of these two political parties.

Destination Title: You Choose—
The Republican National Party
The Democratic National Party

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Directions
Begin at the Web site of the political party you have chosen—either the Republicans or the Democrats.

• From the home page of your chosen site, click on About the GOP or Our Party.
• Click on the appropriate links to find out more about either the Republican or the Democratic Party. For the Republican Party, click on Party Leadership, Party Mascot, and Party Platform. For the Democratic Party, click on Our Leaders, Party Platform, and Our History.

1.			Who is the current chairperson of the party?
2.			Who founded the party and when was it founded?
3.			What is the party’s mascot and when was it first used?
4.			Describe the party’s stand on one issue.
5.			Imagine that you are the party’s membership chairperson. Write a one-page letter that would convince interested citizens to join your political party.