People and Politics

Warm Up! What were the requirements for voting right after the Constitution was created?

VOTING & Requirements A right and a responsibility of citizenship. 18 years old U.S. Citizen State Resident Mentally Competent Not a convicted felon Is this fair? Can prisoner vote change outcome of elections?

VOTING: REGISTRATION Must register 25 days before the election at: DMV Registrar’s Office Mail in Application Qualified citizens have a responsibility of stay informed about campaign issues and exercise their right to vote.

Election Day Eligible voters polling place in precinct (district where you live) Present valid ID or verification of address Receive ballot & list of candidates Enter private, secure voting booth & cast vote

VOTING: PARTICIPATION Voters Non Voters Increased turn-out in Presidential Elections Participation more likely: Education Age Income Lack Interest Forget to register Not informed on issues Participation less likely: Income Age Education

Before you vote… You should pay attention to the election campaigns, watch the debates between candidates, and read about the candidates’ positions on various issues. The best place to read about the issues are the candidates’ websites. The national and local media can be good also, but be careful to separate facts from opinions.

Apathy Absentee ballot: voting ballot that you can cast if you cannot go to the polls on election day (ex: soldiers in other countries, people in hospitals, etc) Voter apathy: lack of interest & believing that your vote does not really count

Voting Flyer Some people do not vote because they don’t know the steps. Your task is to make an attention-grabbing flyer with some basic voting info to inform the public. You must include the following: Who is eligible to vote? How to register to vote? What are the steps in voting (include precinct, polling place, ballot, and absentee ballot) What happens after you vote Why you should vote? (be convincing!) Pictures/illustrations/color! Pairs or groups of 3

Political Parties

Political Parties A political party = an organization of people with similar interests who organize to win elections and operate the government. Candidates need majority of votes (over 50%) to win elections in the U.S. two-party system. 2 main political parties (Democrats & Republicans) dominate our politics, but there are other parties called third parties.

FUNCTIONS AND PURPOSES OF POLITICAL PARTIES Recruit and Nominate Candidates for Public Offices Conventions- Name Candidates Primaries- Elect Candidates

FUNCTIONS AND PURPOSES OF POLITICAL PARTIES Help Candidates Win Elections Set Party Goals Platform- Statement of party’s positions of major issues Most important function since candidate will support party goals if elected

FUNTIONS AND PURPOSES OF POLICAL PARTIES Leadership Work to pass laws that support the party’s goals Watchdog Monitor the actions of officeholders to insure that they are honest and hardworking

FUNTIONS AND PURPOSES OF POLICAL PARTIES Help Citizens Educate citizens about issues Offer opportunities for citizens to be involved in the political process.

THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM Left Center Right Democrats Moderates Republicans

DEMOCRATS “Liberal” On the left Support government financed programs to help the poor Emphasize domestic programs More/Expanded Government Supported by workers, laborers, lower and middle income levels

REPUBLICANS “Conservative” On the Right Support individual initiative and economic growth to help the poor Emphasize foreign policy and a strong military Less/Limited Government Gain support from big businesses and upper income levels

MODERATE A person who avoids the extremes of either party

POLITICAL PARTIES The American political system is dominated by the Democrats and the Republicans; but third parties play an important role.

Two-Party System Differences Similarities Differences Have both liberal and conservative views Organize to win elections Appeal to the political center Influence public policies Reflect citizens views Want to associate with many people to get more votes Party Platforms (positions on major issues)

Third parties Often form to promote specific social, economic, or moral issue Have difficulty winning elections Independent= do not belong to one of 2 major parties

Third parties play an important role in American politics.

THIRD PARTIES Introduce new ideas Support a particular issue Revolve around a person (Ross Perot; Ralph Nadar) Rarely win elections Change the outcome on an election

THIRD PARTIES Ralph Nader Green Party Ross Perot Reform Party Teddy Roosevelt- Progressive party

ELECTORAL COLLEGE

# of electoral votes in each state ELECTORAL COLLEGE The President and the Vice President are elected by a majority vote in the Electoral College. Each state has the same number of electors as it does Congress Members # of Senators + # of Representatives = _________________ # of electoral votes in each state

ELECTORAL COLLEGE 538 Total Electoral Votes 270 Electoral votes needed to win the election

WHY ELECTORAL COLLEGE Why do we need electors? What made the framers of the Constitution create this system for the election of the President and Vice-President? WHY Why do we need electors?

ELECTORAL COLLEGE Representation Question for the framers: How to balance power between the large and small states? Result: Electoral votes for each state are determined by population

ELECTORAL COLLEGE Fear Issue for the framers: People are not educated enough to make a good decision. Result: Electors who were educated about the process would make the official vote.

ELECTORAL COLLEGE Knowledge Issue for the framers: Voters do not know about candidates from other states. Result: Using electors would keep people from only voting for candidates from their state.

ELECTORAL COLLEGE Electoral College The President and the Vice President are elected by a majority vote in the electoral college. Each state has the same number of electors as it does Congress Members # of Senators + # of Representatives = ____________________ # of electoral votes in each state

Process ELECTORAL COLLEGE Each party picks electors who promise to vote for their party’s candidate. Popular vote: first Tuesday after the first Monday in November

Electoral Vote: December Winner take all system The candidate with most votes in a state wins all of the electoral votes for that state. Electoral Vote: December Electors cast the official votes for President and Vice President.

Effect of the Electoral College on Campaigns Process Effect of the Electoral College on Campaigns Candidates concentrate on states with more electoral votes (California, New York) Small states can make the difference in close elections Favors a 2-party system It is possible to tie (269 electoral votes each)

A TIE!!! What if… no candidate receives 270 votes? House of Representatives selects the President Senate selects the Vice President

The Role of the Media in Elections: Propaganda

Warm Up What are some ways the media influences elections? What is propaganda? Do you think celebrity endorsements affect voters?

MEDIA T.V. Radio Newspapers Internet

Role of the Media in Elections The editorial section of the newspaper a televised debate or T.V. program can provide candidates and experts a way to present opposing viewpoints on the issues. Air Different Points of View

Role of the Media in Elections Call Attention to Important Issues By printing articles or airing stories about a particular issue, the media is able to create interest in a topic where none existed.

Role of the Media in Elections Identify candidates & their platforms (stand/opinion on the issues) Government officials and candidates use the media to communicate with the public.

How can voters evaluate speeches, literature and advertisements for accuracy? BY: Separating fact from opinion Detecting bias Evaluating sources of information Identifying propaganda

Propaganda Techniques

Propaganda Types Glittering Generalities Bandwagon Stacked Cards Name Calling “Just Plain Folks”

Glittering Generality Sounds good, but is essentially meaningless “A vote for Mallory Williams is a vote for North Carolina’s values.”

Bandwagon convincing people that everyone else agrees with a certain candidate/idea, so that they will join in; appeals to many people’s desire to be on the winning side “The latest poll shows that the majority of people support Mallory Williams for President.”

Everyone’s Doing It!

Stacked Cards Presents only one side of the issue, can distort the facts. Uses facts to favor an opinion “Mallory Williams is clearly the most qualified candidate.”

Barack Obama Facts Obama worked as a community organizer immediately after graduation. He also worked as a university professor, political activist, and lawyer before serving in the Illinois Senate from 1997 to 2004. He was propelled to stardom by giving the 2004 democratic convention keynote speech. Obama has sponsored bills ranging from lobbying and electoral fraud, climate change, weapons control, nuclear terrorism, and better veterans care.

John McCain Facts McCain has never voted for a tax increase. McCain will continue the Bush tax cuts, McCain will not cut and run in Iraq, McCain sponsored legislation to keep the Fairness Doctrine from rearing its head again, McCain supports school choice

Name Calling An attempt to turn people against an opponent or idea by associating an unpleasant label or description “Candidate Sawyer Smith is corrupt and caters to special interest groups.”

Name Calling

“Vote for Mallory Williams, who understands the problems of America.” Plain Folks Appeal Candidates describe themselves as regular people; average, hard working citizens to make people think that the candidate has same concerns “Vote for Mallory Williams, who understands the problems of America.”

Plain Folks Appeal

An endorsement from a celebrity. Testimonials “Bill Clinton says, “Mallory Williams is a candidate you can trust. She has my vote!” An endorsement from a celebrity.

Testimonials

Identify the Types of Propaganda

Public Policy How individuals, interest groups and the media influence the actions of the government.

What influences people’s opinions?? Family & Friends Media (Print and T.V.) Importance

Political Action Committees PACs Political Action Committees Established to raise money to support an issue or candidate

MEDIA The media influences public policy by: Bringing attention to issues Showing different views on issues Holding candidates accountable Allowing officials to communicate with citizens

Public Policy is influenced by: Individuals Interest Groups Media Vote campaign Keep informed Express Opinions by: -Writing letters to politicians -Demonstrating -Lobbying Join interest groups Identify and publicize issues Offer different viewpoints Lobby Donate Money $$$ Draws attention to issues Shows different views on issues Holds candidates accountable Allows officials to communicate with citizens

Political Action Committees PACs are the political branch of a special interest group. PACs raise voluntary donations of money from people who agree with their cause. They give money to elections campaigns of people they support and to the political party that will work for their goals.

Review!

One purpose of political parties is to A. cast electoral votes. B. set the age for voting. C. administer literacy tests. D. recruit and nominate candidates for public office.

A candidate needs _________ to win the presidency A. 270 Electoral votes B. the majority of the popular vote C. a majority vote in the House of Representatives D. All of the above

The president is chosen by the House of Representatives if A. different candidates win the popular vote and the electoral vote B. no candidate wins the majority in the Electoral College C. the candidate with the most votes is already a member of congress D. there is widespread electoral fraud

A political candidate who accuses his or her opponent of "reckless spending" is using the A. name-calling technique. B. glittering generality technique. C. plain-folks appeal. D. card-stacking technique.

This type of election has the highest voter turn out: A. mayoral B This type of election has the highest voter turn out: A. mayoral B. gubernatorial C. congressional D. presidential

Which of the following is NOT a strategy to use when evaluating campaign ads? A. believe propaganda B. evaluate sources of information C. separate fact and opinion D. detect bias

Which of the following is a voting requirement in Virginia? A. 21 years of age B. US citizen and a resident of VA C. passage of DMV test D. pass a literacy test

C. Political Action Committees D. candidates An organization made up of people who share similar ideas about how the government should be run are: A. Interest Groups B. Political Parties C. Political Action Committees D. candidates

Which of the following is NOT a similarity of Republicans and Democrats? A. Organize to win elections B. party Platforms C. Appeal to the political center D. Influence public opinion

During an examination for naturalization, an applicant must A. prove that he or she can read, write, and speak English acceptably. B. show that he or she believes in the principles of the U.S. Constitution. C. prove that he or she knows something about U.S. history and government. D. all of the above

The U.S. federal system of government was established by A. Magna Carta. B. the Constitution. C. the Articles of Confederation. D. the English Bill of Rights

The statement "to secure the blessings of liberty" is A. listed in the Mayflower Compact. B. one of the six goals of government stated in the Preamble. C. the opening statement of the Declaration of Independence. D. found in the Articles of Confederation.

One of the basic ideals of American government is that A. government should be based on the consent of the governed. B. majority rule can be overruled by presidential veto. C. the Constitution should be easily amended. D. the executive branch should be the most powerful branch.

What would happen if a proposed amendment were not ratified by three fourths of the states? A. It could be ratified by two thirds of the states. B. The president could ratify the amendment. C. Congress could ratify the amendment. D. The amendment would not be added to the Constitution.

If the president vetoes a proposed law, A. it can never become law. B. Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds vote of both houses. C. the proposed law is sent to state conventions for approval. D. the Supreme Court has the power to pass the law anyway.

The most important function of political parties is to: A. Help candidates win elections B. Monitor the actions of officeholders C. set party goals D. Help citizens

Techniques used to influence opinion are called: A. Editorials B Techniques used to influence opinion are called: A. Editorials B. Propaganda C. Commentaries D. Ads

The First Amendment guarantees A. freedom of speech. B. the right to bear arms. C. freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures. D. protection against self-incrimination.

All of the following are true of the Articles of Confederation EXCEPT A. it created a weak central government. B. the national government had no power to tax. C. it gave no power to enforce laws. D. the states had little power.

A. establish courts. B. borrow money. C. punish lawbreakers. The federal government and the state governments share all of the following powers EXCEPT the power to A. establish courts. B. borrow money. C. punish lawbreakers. D. coin money.

Which of the following is NOT a power of the legislative branch? A. interpreting the meaning of a law B. passing laws C. overriding presidential vetoes D. approving appointments of federal court judges

Which of the following is not a function of political parties? A. recruiting and nominating candidates B. educating the public about campaign issues C. monitoring the actions of office holders D. nominating Supreme Court justices

How does the media influence policy makers? A. by broadcasting the state of the union address B. by criticizing the news coverage of other media sources C. by organizing debates among leading entertainers. D. by drawing attention to a particular issue and arousing public concern

Democrats: A. want the government to provide public benefits to assist the poor. B. want less government activity. C. believe that public benefits should be provided by the private sector. D. are typically backed by small farmers and the business community.

Third parties: A. are not found in American politics. B. typically revolve around a political personality. C. receive a lot of attention from the media. D. All of the above

Political Parties: A. organize to win elections. B. influence public opinion C. appeal to the political center to win majority support. D. All of the above

The majority of Americans are: A. Moderate B. Conservative C. Liberal D. Reactionary

Republicans tend to be A. Radical B. Conservative C. Liberal D. Socialist

To be elected, a presidential candidate must A. win both the popular vote and the electoral vote. B. win the popular vote. C. receive 270 electoral votes D. win the popular vote in the state of Florida

Democrats tend to be: A. Conservative B. Radical C. Liberal D. Right-Winged

The "glittering generalities" technique uses A. beautiful pictures to sell an idea. B. words that sound good but have little meaning. C. the faces of famous people to sway public opinion. D. soothing music and subliminal messages to persuade people.

Sports figures appearing on a box of cereal is an example of which propaganda technique? A. testimonial B. bandwagon C. plain-folks appeal D. glittering generalities

The main reason that so few people in the United States vote is that A. it is not convenient for most people to get to the polls. B. most people are not registered to vote. C. most people lack interest D. most people do not prefer one candidate over another.

A political candidate who describes herself as an "ordinary, hard-working citizen" is using A. name-calling. B. card stacking. C. the bandwagon approach. D. a plain-folks appeal.

Each state has a total number of electors A. equal to its total number of congressmembers. B. equal to each of the other states. C. equal to the number of its state legislators. D. based on its voter turnout in previous elections.

The Democratic and Republican Parties do all of the following EXCEPT A. organize to win elections. B. raise money to pay for campaign expenses. C. establish state qualifications for voting. D. Reflect both liberal and conservative views

. A presidential candidate of the Democratic Party wins 51 percent of the popular vote. Which of the following statements is correct? A. The candidate must next be confirmed by the Senate and the House of Representatives. B. The candidate will become president. C. The candidate will become president only with a majority of electoral college votes. D. A runoff election must be held to determine the new president.

You have just turned 18 years old You have just turned 18 years old. The first thing you will have to do before you are allowed to vote is A. take a literacy test. B. register to vote. C. join a political party. D. prove that you have completed high school.

One purpose of political parties is to A. cast electoral votes. B. set the age for voting. C. administer literacy tests. D. recruit and nominate candidates for public office.