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.
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.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Elections: Political Parties
Lesson plans on elections and the role of political parties. Find multiple choice quizzes, vocabulary, and a role play of a candidate in a town meeting.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Political Parties
Brief overview of the political party system in the U.S. explaining the emergence and longevity of the Democratic and Republican Parties.
Other
Copernicus Election Watch: History of the Parties
This site has a great timeline that tracks the history of the Democratic, Republican, and some Independent Third Parties. Also some excellent links at the bottom of the page.
Digital History
Digital History: The Birth of Political Parties
A brief look at the beginning of political parties in the new American nation. Find out the views of the two parties.
PBS
Pbs Online News Hour: Green Party History
PBS Online provides this profile of the Green Party in the United States and other nations.
Other
A Brief History of American Major Parties
A good, brief history of the two party system in the United States.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Electoral Process
Overview of the election process from the role of political parties in nominating candidates for office to the general election.
Lin and Don Donn
Lin and Don Donn: u.s. History Lessons: Elections, Parties, Campaigns
This site provides suggestions for lesson plans and unit plans to teach about the U.S. system of elections, political parties, and campaigns.
US Government Publishing Office
U.s. Government Publishing Office: Our American Government, 2000 Edition
A popular introductory guide for American citizens and those of other countries who seek a greater understanding of our heritage of democracy. The question-and-answer format covers a broad range of topics dealing with the legislative,...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Third Party and Independent Candidates
Outline of the party system in the U.S. Describes the history and organization of the two party system and how it has been inlfuenced by third party and independent candidates.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: What Is Your Affiliation?
Political parties have platforms that describe their principles and issue stances in areas such as taxes, education and immigration. Answer the questions to see which party (Democratic, Republican, Green and Libertarian) is your best fit.
Other
The African American Experience
Provides information on African American history. Includes information on the following topics: slave and free in St. Louis, African-American immigration, segregated religion, African-American education, segregated housing, roots of...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Agrarian Distress and the Rise of Populism
Article outlines the rise of the Populist Movement in the U.S. as a result of a declining economy, agrarian distress and dissatisfaction with American politics in late 19th Century.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Progressive Party Platform, 1912
Provides text of the Progressive Party platform in 1912. In this primary source document, the Bull Moose Party declares its stance on issues of the 1912 election.
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.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: A New Coalition
Overview of Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration after his decisive re-election in 1936. Discusses political party organization and the debate over government responsibility to citizens.
Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University: American Populism, 1876 1896
Using essays, primary source documents, images, and video this site explores the American Populist political movement in the early 1890s.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Republican Philadelphia
Philadelphia today leans to the Democratic ticket in most elections. This website, ushistory.org, is completely nonpolitical, but it offers resources for right-leaning visitors to feel right at home when visiting.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: The Tech: Democratic Platform Cautiously Balances Diverse Party Opinions
Article suggests the broad and seemingly contradictory statements in the 1996 Democratic Party Platform result in a "middle of the road" or "centrist" document. (August 27, 1996 - Op ed)
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: The Iron Horse: The Workingmen's Party
From a lengthy essay on the history of the railroad in the United States. This section describes the emergence of the Workingmen's Party as a political force in St. Louis, its role in the railroad strikes of 1877, and how it may have...
Other
The American Interest: China's Place in u.s. Foreign Policy
China's remarkable aggregation of national power over the past 35 years has been a source of wonderment: to economists, who have been surprised by that country's consistently high rate of growth; to political scientists, who are at a...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Text Sets: Founding the United States
This is a collection of 15 Grade-Leveled texts (5-12) on the topic The Founding of America. Once the Revolutionary War was over, America's Founding Fathers had to develop a nation. Learn about the founding of American democracy, from the...