Savvas Learning
Political Parties
What is a political party, and what major parties exist in American politics today? How did the party system develop in American history, and how are parties organized? These questions and many other details regarding the political party...
Curated OER
Cartoons in the Classroom: Party Animals
In this current events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons that feature donkeys and elephants as political party symbols and respond to 2 short answer questions.
Curated OER
The Election Process
In this election process instructional activity, students learn about the election process in the United States in which the president is selected. They then answer the 16 questions on the instructional activity. The answers are on the...
Curated OER
It's My Party
Students compare/contrast the Republican and Democratic platforms using Venn diagrams, then read and discuss, "The Conventions Are Over. The Party's Just Starting." students then participate in a mock press conference and write editorial...
Curated OER
The Solid South Switcharoo
Learners examine primary sources. In this lesson on political parties, students view historic documents, speeches, and photos to trace the rise and fall of particular political parties. Learners will be looking at the success of each...
Curated OER
They Have Issues
Students examine the different campaign styles and political platforms of the nine candidates vying for the Democratic Party nomination for the 2004 presidential election. They graph and compare candidate platforms and write an essay...
American Presidency Project
American Presidency Project: Democratic Party Platform of 1896
The text of the Democratic Party Platform for the important presidential campaign of 1896. Interesting to see how contemporary the issues seem.
Curated OER
History Matters:"pitchfork Ben" Tillman Addresses the 1896 Democratic Convention
Ben Tillman, senator from South Carolina, gave a speech at the Democratic Convention in 1896, advocating for the free coinage of silver, the same issue addressed in a later speech by William Jennings Bryan. Read Tillman's speech here,...
Curated OER
History Matters: Senator David Bennett Hill Defends the Gold Standard
Read this speech given by Senator David Bennet Hill of New York at the Democratic Convention in 1896. A key issue in that convention was whether the United States should go back on the gold standard. This speech clearly shows that Hill...
Library of Congress
Loc: Herblock's Presidents
Historically significant collection of political cartoons featuring U.S. Presidents from Library of Congress online teacher-student resources.
Vassar College
Vassar College: 1896: Literary Themes in the Campaign
Take a look at popular literary themes that are reflected in the political cartoons of 1896, the year in which William Jennings Bryant challenged William McKinley for the presidency.
Vassar College
Vassar College: 1896: The Democratic Party
From the very extensive website that covers the presidential campaign of 1896 through political cartoons and contemporary commentary is this discussion about the Democratic Party and its candidates and platform in the election of 1896....
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: 1912 Democratic Party Platform
Find the text of the 1912 Democratic Party platform. See the party's position on labor, income taxes, presidential primaries, the direct election of senators, tariff reform, and anti-trust legislation.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: William Jennings Bryan "Cross of Gold" Speech
Read the famous Cross of Gold speech given by William Jennings Bryan, Democratic party presidential candidate in 1896. The party platform was against the establishment of the gold standard.
Other
Georgia's Blue and Gray Trail Presents: Election of 1848
An extensive look at the election of 1848 including information about the conventions, the parties which elected candidates, the platforms, and the outcome. From the Civil War Encyclopedia.
Other
Guide to American Political Parties
Complete directory of the political parties that are active in the United States. Links to each party's website are included along with a brief overview of each one with major players.
Other
Boston Globe: John F. Kerry Candidate in the Making
The Boston Globe presents a seven-part article on the life of Senator John F. Kerry who was the Democratic candidate in the 2004 presidential election.
Other
Young Democrats of America
The official site of the Young Democrats of America provides information on political action, news, and events for young people.
CPALMS
Florida State University Cpalms: Florida Students: Party On: Political Parties in America
This tutorial examines the political parties in the United States. It looks at the two main parties, third parties, and independents. A PDF file of the tutorial is available.
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: Franklin Delano Roosevelt: The American Franchise
Informative discussion on FDR and the Democratic Party coalition that primarily consisted of African-Americans, union members, women, Mexican-Americans, and recent immigrants. This "New Deal" coalition provided power for the Democrats...
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: James Knox Polk:campaign and Election of 1844
The campaign and election of 1844 showed the rising difference in the nation between Whigs and Democrats and sections of the country. Showing the true development of the two-party system, it also gave rise to the term, "dark horse."
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: Political Parties: Mobilizing Agents
This unit examines the significance of political parties in American politics, highlighting their functions, differences, and influence on the public for political decision making. Offers video, readings, web resources, and activities.
Other
Office of House Democratic Leader: Nancy Pelosi
Official web page of the Democratic Party's leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives. Discusses current issues and policies the party upholds.