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.
Tom Richey
Tom Richey: Party Identification: u.s. Government: Ap
PowerPoint slide show created by Tom Richey on party identification in the U.S. electorate. Part of AP U.S. Government course presented with illustrations and humor.
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,...
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.
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.
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.
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...
Other
Committee on Rules u.s. House of Representatives
This resource describes the Committee on Rules as an arm of the leadership of both parties, the committee is at the center of both political and legislative battles. The role of this committee has changed over time.
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...
PBS
Pbs Online News Hour: Green Party History
PBS Online provides this profile of the Green Party in the United States and other nations.
The Washington Post
The Washington Post: Politics
The Washington Post provides the latest news, issues, and events surrounding U.S. politics today. The wealth of information found here includes top stories, transcripts, party perspectives, poll watchers, video, audio, and more. PLEASE...
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.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: George Washington: The First Administration
Read about George Washington's presidency. See why his role was so important in setting precedents to be followed by future chief executives. Find out about some of the warts in his personality too, all of which made him more human.
USA Today
Usa Today: Washington Politics
Resource provides the top news in U.S. Politics in brief. Content includes a focus on the president, senate, house, state governors, legislatures, and initiatives.
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: Jacksonian Democracy and Modern America
An overview of the ideals of the new Democratic Party under Andrew Jackson, and later Martin Van Buren. Read about the new two-party system with the formation of the Whig Party. See how Jacksonian Democracy molded American political...
US Senate
The U. S. Senate: Senators of the 108th Congress
This site from the United States Senate provides a current list of the Senators of the 108th Congress. You can sort by state, name or party, view biographical and contact information and much more.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Age of Jackson
An overview of the issues and changes to the political scene in the Age of Jackson. Read about the nullification crisis and Jackson's veto of the national bank charter, and the relocation of Native Americans. Find out about the...
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.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Growth of Populism
Western farmers organized in an attempt to have their issues heard politically. Read about the various farmers' organizations which developed into the idea of populism and the formation of the Populist Party.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Politics in Transition: Public Conflict in the 1790s
A brief overview of the struggles taking place in politics in the 1790s. Even the honorable George Washington was not sheltered from contentious criticism. Read about the foreign and domestic problems that loomed in that decade.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Eugene v. Debs and American Socialism
Read about the growth of the Socialist Party in America under the leadership of Eugene V. Debs. Find out about the strikes he led, his political activities, and his arrest for sedition in 1918. Read also about the radical union,...