Joe Woltering 03/17/2014Mr. Viggiano Period 7Political PartiesSince the beginning of America, there has always been some sort of political party that represents certain ideologies and beliefs. A political party is made up of supporters and politicians who share common goals and work together to elect the people they promote to office. The first political parties, federalist and anti-federalist, appeared as soon as the Constitution appeared. After the War of 1812, the Federalist Party was dissolved and the Anti-Federalists became the Democratic-Republicans. A split began to occur and those who supported Andrew Jackson's agenda were known as Democrats, while the opposition was known as Whigs. They too were eventually disbanded as a party due to their views on slavery, leading to the creation of the Republican Party. This brings us to today's America with two major parties, the Democrats and the Republicans. While the country is primarily run by these two parties at the federal level, most local governments offer the option of allowing third parties to hold offices like the Libertarian Party and the Green Party. Each party offers different viewpoints and holds the power to represent the ideologies of its members. The Libertarian Party was founded 42 years ago, on December 11, 1971. It oversees coerced government, the privileges of the single ruling class over the general population, and a free market economy. Libertarianism undoubtedly keeps an eye on independence. Indeed, the Libertarians were fundamentally traditional liberals who separated themselves from the old liberals because of the general idea that the move toward less government to ensure fairness for the pro...... middle of paper .. .... composed of supporters and legislators who confer regular goals and cooperate in choosing the people they elevate to office. In today's America, with two major parties, the Democrats and the Republicans, the nation is essentially ruled by these two parties at the state/federal level. Most local governments allow third parties to exercise their functions, such as the Libertarian Party and the Green Party. Each party offers diverse perspectives and holds the strength to speak to the philosophies of its members. Parties are an integral part of the American government and are entirely necessary to properly organize a group of like-minded people. Without them, the large number of voters who make up the new electorate could have turned into a complicated swarm unable to plan their arguments or maintain the balanced debate that is vital to their cause..