Political Parties

The first parties started in the United States and Britain and were more like political clubs or legislative factions.

Consists of a group of persons united in opinion or action More or less permanently organized Attempt to bring about the election of its candidates to public office Attempt to influence the actions and policies of government

Political Parties

Functions of Political Parties

agents of political learning they bring together new and old ideas they organize and educate youth they recruit members they convert opinions, attitudes and beliefs into demands on the political system they create interest by means of campaigns they make policy and help get it implemented

Conservatism

(Historical Beliefs)

historically believed that because of basic human imperfections we require institutional restraints of human behaviors by law, and other social restraints on individual freedoms. the role of the state was seen essentially as an agency to control people for their own good deeply committed to the concept of private property constitutions are social contracts that carry proven political norms and practices of the past into the present they reject radical change because it destroys proven customs and institutions. (Cautious Change) the state has a moral, religious, and sacred character beyond its political and legal personality political and legal authority is divine in its origin. they were people of practical action rather than theory devoted to sound administration rather prolific legislation. usually demonstrated loyalty to church, family, school, party, institutions, and country. usually in favour of less state involvement in education, health and industry.

Liberalism (Historical Beliefs)

believe and fought to secure the legal equality for all individuals and groups believe all public officials are accountable to the people and can only rule by their consent they fought for Civil Liberties such as , freedoms of thought, expression, association, and of religion. Added to this is any freedom that does not inflict injury on others or involve breach of public order. they fought for Economic Liberties such as the advancement of disadvantaged individuals, trade unions, and minorities. they believe in extended public control into education, industry and health International Co-operation Liberals called for the reduction or elimination of all trade barriers, tariffs, quotas, and other instruments of economic protection in order to foster international interaction.

Socialism

A socio-political and economic system of varying diversity of beliefs, ranging from government ownership of all businesses to benign government interference in business activities to ensure an equitable distribution of wealth among the population. Human welfare, not private profits was the goal. Socialism rose out of the response to the industrial revolution

Utopian Socialism

The first movement of socialism was called the Utopian Socialism (1770 1850). They experimented with different forms of communal living that stressed co-operation, self-help, religion and education. They thought that if the environment (working & living conditions) were improved, an ideal society could be established in which all people were happy and prosperous. Robert Own an original socialist attempted to set a good example for other industrialists by: reducing the work day for labours in his cotton mill from 12 to 10 hours, improving housing and working conditions, refused to hire children, and provided education for the young. Utopian Socialists did not want to destroy the capitalist system, they merely wanted to remove some of its more blatant evils.

Karl Marx (1818 1883) Marxism or Communism

was a brilliant scholar, economist and philosopher studied law and philosophy in Prussia (now Germany) became a journalist, and his ideas had an unparalleled affect on the socialist movement wrote many books his best known being Communist Manifesto did not invent socialism, but his ideas soon dominated the movement his theories came to be known as Marxism

Karl Marx (1818 1883) Marxism or Communism

His thoughts workers must replace/ overthrow the ruling class felt owners of the means of production exploited the workers felt the capitalist system was so flawed that it would eventually fall apart, and the workers would be able to rise at this time. felt that after the revolution there would be a period of time that a dictatorship of the proletariat would control the economy.

Karl Marx (1818 1883) Marxism or Communism

During this time the state would have the following characteristics: - a centrally planned economy - increasing economic production - distribution of income according to the work performed - increasing economic equality - a gradual disappearance of classes - an increasing desire to work for the good of society rather than for personal profit

Karl Marx (1818 1883) Marxism or Communism

After this short transition period, Marx believed that the state would wither away, poverty and crime would disappear. Marx felt that in this final stage of pure communism class and national differences would disappear, capitalism would be eliminated, and all people would live as one family. Countries that have communist type governments: China, Cuba and Soviet Union (until recent time) Although most communist countries practice some of Marxists ideas more adapted a twist of ideologies to suit their own specific issues and country. This led to many different groups defining Marxism in many different terms.

Karl Marx (1818 1883) Marxism or Communism

This led Karl Marx to write late in his life,

of one thing I am certain; I am no Marxist.

Communism
Motto

vs

Socialism
From each according to ability, to each according to work.

From each according to ability, to each according to needs.

Sources of Beliefs

The writings of either Marx, Lenin, or Mao Violent Revolution

One-party democracy Extensive if not complete

No guiding body of writing Democratic Elections; peaceful persuasion

More than one-party democracy Limited to essential industries

Method of Gaining Power

Type of Ownership Degree of Public Ownership

Means of Acquiring Public Ownership

Private Property Dominant Influence on Human Actions

Expropriation without compensation

None. Everything State-owned The relationship to the means of production

Nationalization with compensation

Most individually owned Conscience and rational reasoning

Note: It is especially difficult to make specific statements about socialist beliefs, because socialists vary from country to country and from time to time. The beliefs listed here represent their most frequently held ideas.

Federal Parties in Canada

http://www.altstuff.com/federal.htm

Presently Elected Parties Conservatives Liberals NDP Bloq Green Party