The Electoral Process SSCG8 The student will demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national elections. b. Describe the nomination and election process. c. Examine campaign funding and spending. EQ: What is the basic purpose of a presidential primary election?
The Electoral Process In the U. S., the election process occurs in two steps: Nomination—where the choice of candidates are narrowed down to 1 per party General election—where voters make the final choice of officeholder
Nominating: Self-Announcement: “throwing your hat in the ring” Term coined by Teddy Roosevelt in 1912
Primary Elections and Caucuses Helps candidates to become known by the public elections are held by political parties the party picks the candidate for the general election A caucus is a meeting of members of a particular political party mostly used at local and state levels ex. Iowa caucus Primaries can be open or closed Open primaries: any qualified voter can cast a ballot Closed primaries: only declared party members can cast ballots.
Nominating Convention Official meeting of party delegates to select the party’s presidential candidate Held in the summer before the general election The convention develops the party’s platform
Campaigning Purpose is to get the candidate’s message out to the voter an effort to influence potential voters use of propaganda to sway voters
Campaign Funding 2 types of campaign funds Hard money: donations must be reported to FEC and have $ limits. Soft money: donations given to local/state organizations for “party-building activities Ex. Ads, voter registration. Money plays key role in politics 3 basic sources: Most of $ from Private sources; Ex. Individuals, families, personal funds. PACs Public subsidies Ex. Federal matching fund program
Qualifications for President Formal Qualifications: Must be 35 Years Old Must be a natural born citizen Must be a resident of the US for at least 14 years Informal Qualifications: Must be well educated, have past political experiences Christian (Protestant) Male White