Political Process Chapters

What is Politics? Attempt by an individual or group to influence the government

What Influences Your Political Beliefs/Values? Family School Media Propaganda Friends Personal Experiences

What is a Political Party? Organization of people that share similar viewpoints regarding public policy

Types of Party Systems One-Party One party exists. China. No opposition. Two-Party Power shared between 2 major parties. Most common type. U.S. and Canada. Voters given a choice Multi-party Variety of choices. France & Italy. Can Be Very Unstable!

History of Political Parties 46Ogc3UN0&feature=related 46Ogc3UN0&feature=related First Political Parties Federalists & Anti-federalists T. Jefferson Founded the Democratic-Republican Party A. Jackson Begins the Democratic Party National Republicans (Whigs) Republican Party Emerges Opposed Slavery

Party Platforms Democrats Bigger Govnt. Social Programs Higher Taxes Less Defense Incentives for workers Middle-Class “Liberals” Republicans Less Govnt. Less Taxes Fewer Social Programs Strong Defense Pro – Business owner Professionals “Conservatives”

Political Profile Scale Liberal Democrat Conservative Republican Moderate “To the Right”“To the Left”

Third Parties Influence Single Issue, Ideological and Splinter May pull votes away from one of the major parties – 1912 Election Difficult to win Money Recognition Ballot Issues

Functions of Political Parties Nominate Candidates Caucus Primary election Open and Closed Organize the Government Patronage Jobs Act as “watchdog”

Ch. 17 -The Electoral Process

Voting Requirements 18 years old 26 th Amendment U.S. Citizen Resident 30 days prior to election No Felonies * See Registering to Vote Pamphlet

Voting in the U.S. U.S. suffering from voter “apathy” qWlrhYJt28 Reasons for voter apathy? Who is the typical “voter?”

GRAPHIC: Who Is the Typical New Hampshire Voter? For a Republican, it is a white, conservative male, 45 to 60 years old, with a household income between $50,000 and $75,000. He is a college graduate, married, non- evangelical, who attends church less than once a week and is moderate on abortion issues, according to news network entrance and exit polls and Washington Post-ABC News polls. The Democrat is a white, moderate, female, college-graduate, married, 50 to 59 years old, who attends church rarely or never, with a household income between $50,000 and $75,000. SOURCE: Compiled from news network entrance and exit polls and Washington Post-ABC News polls. | PHOTOS: Linda Davidson - The Washington Post - January 06, 2008

Kinds of Elections Partisan vs NonPartisan Elections General Elections Primary Elections Special Elections

Ballot Issues Initiative Public proposes new law Referendum Voters must approve a proposed law

What is Propaganda? Techniques used to persuade people of their political opinion or beliefs Media most common source

Types of Propaganda Used Name-calling Glittering Generality Bandwagon Testimonial Transfer Card Stacking Plain Folks

Other Methods used to Persuade the Voter Billboards Bumper Stickers/Buttons Signs/Newspaper Advertisements Speeches 30/60 Second TV Advertisement Radio

Winning Slate from Respective State Votes Sent to Washington - Vice Pres. Counts 270/538 to win! What is the Electoral College?

Why was an Electoral College Created?

Framers Distrusted the Average Voter Felt that the population was not educated enough! Really just a Formality Now

How Does It Work - Choosing the President Slate of Electors Chosen by Popular Vote Each Major Party Chooses Their “Electors” Number Determined by # of Representatives and Senators for each State Illinois - 19 House + 2 Senators = 21 votes! Popular Vote in November, Electors Cast Votes in State Capitol on Dec. 16 Votes sent to Senate in Washington D.C.

What if There is No Winner? House elects President Occurred Twice 1800 and 1824 Senate chooses VP

Criticisms of System Does not Express Will of the Voter Does not Represent Popular Vote “Winner take all System” Can Elect a President who Receives Fewer Popular Votes Than Opponent Smaller States Left out of Political Process

Possible Reform Measures Abolish System Direct Election Choose Electors Differently Base Vote on % of Popular Vote Change would Require Amendment!

- Interest Groups – Ch.18 “Groups of people organized to promote the interests or concerns of their members” Try to Influence Public Policy Usually share One Common Idea or Belief Ex. MADD, AFL-CIO, IFT

Functions of Interest Groups Influence Elections Lobbying New Restrictions Going to Court

Political Action Committees Financial Arm of Interest Groups Contribute $ to Candidates Controversial “Soft Money” Regulated by FEC