美国510.docxVIP

Traditional Images of the 2 Major Parties The Democratic Party ? The Democratic Party: the oldest political party in U.S. , symbolized by a donkey; ? The Republican Party: the Grand Old Party (GOP), symbolized by an elephant, rose to prominence with the election of Abraham Lincoln. ? The DP is considered more liberal (to the left of center), whereas the RP more conservative (to the right of center). ? “the part of the common people”, ? enjoys its greatest advantage on “compassion issues” like helping poor, elderly, and homeless people, and handling unemployment as well as on environmental issues. ? Trusted to do a better job in “protecting the Social Security system.” ? Its support comes from the poorer and less privileged people – workers with low-paid jobs, African Americans and other nonwhite minorities, and many people in the southern states. The Republican Party ? an image of “favoring the rich”, ? trusted to do a better job in handling foreign affairs, maintaining a strong national defense, and holding down taxes. ? Favors free economic principles, prefers state and local government power to federal power. ? Its support come from business groups, people with more money and those living in the central parts of the US. ? The emergence of the Democratic-Republican Party marked the beginning of the U.S. two-party system. Types of interest groups 1. Economic interest groups. 2. Public interest groups. 3. Single issue groups. 1. Economic interest groups Groups whose primary purpose is to promote the economic interests of their members. Trade association, corporations, labor unions, professional groups, etc. The ‘big four’ of economic interest groups Business organizations and trade associations the U.S. Chamber of Commerce the American Bankers Association ? Professional associations the American Bar Association the American Medical Association the National Educational Association ? Labor organizations the American Federation of Lab