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
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.
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.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: How Political Parties Began
Activity in which students examine the history of political parties in America and evaluate the role they play and reasons they emerged. Questions for discussion and small group work to compare the late 1700s visions of Republicans and...
University of Texas at Austin
Texas Politics: Political Parties
A textbook covering the political culture and history of Texas. It examines the two major political parties and their fortunes over time, how parties get formed and rise to prominence, how to participate in politics, and the future of...
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.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Us History: 1800 1848: Rise of Political Parties/ Era of Jefferson
A quick quiz over the rise of political parties and the era of Jefferson.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Two Parties Emerge
Although George Washingon denounced the creation of political parties, they came roaring into play in the election of 1796 in which John Adams, representing the Federalists, ran against Thomas Jefferson, who represented the...
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.
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.
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.
Texas State Historical Association
Texas State Historical Association: Political Parties
Explains the evolution of political parties in Texas, from many parties in the nineteenth century, into the two parties that dominate Texas today.
Other
A Brief History of American Major Parties
A good, brief history of the two party system in the United States.
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.
PBS
Pbs Online News Hour: Green Party History
PBS Online provides this profile of the Green Party in the United States and other nations.
International Institute of Social History
International Institute of Social History: Party, Oh Party, Beloved Party
From the International Institute of Social History this is "Party, oh Party, beloved Party" a Chinese political propaganda poster by Zheng Nian, 1991.
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.
Other
Tami: Times Are a Changin' Development of the Two Party System in Texas
A collection of historical videos of political campaigns in Texas, which students analyze after an exploration of what qualities an effective political leader should have. They explore and discuss what Democrats and Republicans say in...
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.
Digital History
Digital History: The Election of 1800 [Pdf]
Perhaps the most important election in United States history, the election of 1800 pitted John Adams against Thomas Jefferson. Read about their differences and the differences in the political parties that supported them. [pdf]
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Open Course Ware: Government and Politics of China
Present an impressive overview of pre-Communist through present day China with an outlook towards the future by including some of these resources.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Open Course Ware: Government and Politics of China
Present an impressive overview of pre-Communist through present day China with an outlook towards the future by including some of these resources.
BBC
Bbc News: End of Era for All Powerful Party
A BBC News article concerning the recent fall of the 71-year reign of the PRI in Mexican politics. Highlights the victory of Vicente Fox, the call for reform, and an increase in democratization.
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.