In my class I had to choose a major national issue and identify the forces in a political party that help drive the party to its position on the issue. I chose education and the Democratic party. The driving forces part is where I am stumped. I figured the forces would be unions, teacher groups, other groups, and government but don't think these would be correct as listing as forces. My question is would this be considered the forces?
In addition to teachers' unions, parents also are usually strong supporters of schools. Traditionally, Democrats have favored higher taxes and more services for people. Many people also realize that without a strong public education system, a lot of students won't have the employment skills necessary to compete for jobs.
Check these sites for more information.
http://www.issues2000.org/Celeb/Democratic_Party_Education.htm
http://www.democrats.org/issues/education
http://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/topic/excellence_in_philanthropy/democrats_for_education_reform
http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/D/DE013.html
When identifying the "forces" in a political party that drive its position on an issue, you are essentially looking for key influences or stakeholders within the party that shape its stance on the particular issue. In the case of education and the Democratic party, the forces that you have already mentioned, such as unions, teacher groups, other interest groups, and government, can indeed be considered as relevant forces. However, it's important to further analyze and explain how these forces operate within the Democratic party.
For example, unions like the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) play a significant role within the Democratic party when it comes to education policy. These unions advocate for improved teacher pay, increased education funding, and better working conditions. Their endorsements and financial support can sway Democratic candidates in favor of policies that support their interests.
Similarly, other interest groups, such as parent organizations like the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or civil rights groups like the National Urban League, may also exert their influence within the Democratic party. These groups may advocate for issues like school desegregation, equitable funding, or access to quality education for marginalized communities.
Government entities can also be considered forces within the Democratic party's position on education. Elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels who identify as Democrats and hold education-related positions can shape the party's policies and priorities. This includes members of Congress, governors, mayors, and school board members, among others.
To further understand the forces at play within the Democratic party on education issues, you could explore the platforms, policy positions, and statements of Democratic elected officials, party leaders, and affiliated organizations. Analyzing campaign contributions, endorsements, and lobbying efforts can also provide insights into which forces hold sway within the party.
By doing this, you can develop a comprehensive understanding of the driving forces behind the Democratic party's position on education and explain how these forces shape the party's policies and actions on the issue.