Unit 6: Political Parties and Elections

Political Party Systems

I. What is a Political Party??? A group of voters who have the same beliefs about government and try to control decisions made in the government by electing candidates from their party

II. Political Party Systems One Party System Ex. China, Cuba Two Party System Ex. United States Multi Party System Ex. Japan, Italy, Germany, Israel

III. America’s Two-Party System Began with ratification of the Constitution 1st Political Parties: Federalists and Anti-Federalists Today: Democrats: “Liberal,” big government; more government involvement in the economy, less involvement in people’s lives Republicans: “Conservative,” small government; less government involvement in the economy, more government involvement in people’s lives

Third Parties Parties that challenge the other 2 parties They focus on issues they believe have been ignored by the Dems and Reps Not very many supporters Ex. Tea Party, Progressive Party, Green Party

Roles of Political Parties

I. Organization of Political Parties Every political party works on the local, state, and national level Local level: Political machines National work is more visible, however The national convention is held every presidential election year Parties select their candidates for President and VP and write their party platform

II. Roles of Political Parties Select candidates for office Primary elections National Convention Campaign for candidates Inform citizens of party goals and objectives Use the mass media to do this (radio, tv, Internet) DNC in 2012

Help manage government When they win they have to run the government Link different levels of government Easy for Pres, Governors, and Mayors of same party to work together Acts as a “watchdog” Parties that lose power in an election will check the actions of the winning party to make sure they don’t abuse their powers

Voting

I. Why is Voting Important? You get to choose your leaders You get to participate in the government You can voice your opinions about certain issues You give your consent to the government

II. Requirements for Voting Past Requirements: white, male, property owner, age 21 Current Requirements: Age 18 (Amendment 26) US Citizen—African Americans (Amendment 15), Women (Amendment 19) Be registered to vote in MI

III. The Process of Voting Learn about the candidates and issues Go to the polling place during voting hours They will check your ID and registration and give you a ballot Go to the booth and mark your choices Split ticket Straight ticket Turn in your ballot **Absentee Ballots

IV. Why Don’t More People Vote??? Apathy Voting times conflict with work schedule Too busy “My vote won’t count!”

Types of Elections

I. Primary Elections Held to determine who the candidates will be in the November elections Closed—only party members can vote Open—anyone can vote Held between January and June Caucus—same thing as a primary election; party members choose candidates instead of voting

II. General Elections Held 1st Tuesday after 1st Monday in Nov. Voters select the people who will hold office

The President must go through the Electoral College before being officially elected Only official NOT directly elected by the people # of electors per state= # of Senators + # of Reps A candidate must get at least 270 out of 538 votes to win “Winner takes all” system

Some candidates do not have to belong to a political party to run for office Ex. NC Judges, School Board members Called non-partisan elections

III. Elections on Issues Referendum: issue from legislature placed on ballot for public to vote Initiative: citizens make laws by starting a petition Recall: vote someone out of office

Elections Campaigning

I. Elections Campaigns File for candidacy Primary Elections General Elections

II. Gaining Public Support Canvassing – go through neighborhoods hold local rally's Propaganda – convince people to think a certain way 1. Name-Calling--Use of an unpleasant label or description 2. Symbolism—Using patriotic symbols 3. Glittering Generalities--Uses words that sound good but have little meaning.

4. Bandwagon—You should be doing what everybody else is doing 5 4. Bandwagon—You should be doing what everybody else is doing 5. “Just Plain Folks”--Claim to understand the problems of average Americans 6. Stacked Cards--Presents only one side of the issue 7. Endorsements—Candidates get famous people to back them

III. Campaign Funding Federal Elections Campaign Act (1979) Required candidates to publicly disclose spending Limited the amount of $ that people could donate directly to candidates Public Funding Established by FECA $ is raised through donations on tax returns and then split between 2 presidential candidates

McCain-Feingold Act (2002) Private Funding Largest source of campaign funds Most of this comes from individuals and Political Action Committees (PAC—see defs) McCain-Feingold Act (2002) Prohibits national political parties from raising $ that could be used for anything

IV. Incumbents Incumbent: someone who has served in office and is running for re-election Incumbents have advantages, such as name recognition and experience raising $

Public Opinion and Interest Groups

I. Public Opinion The ideas and attitudes that most people hold about elected officials, candidates, the government, and political issues Candidates, the media, and interest groups affect public opinion

II. Interest Groups A group of people who share a point of view about an issue and unite to promote their ideas Examples: NCAE, Chamber of Commerce, NAACP, AARP, Green Peace, NRA

Interest groups hire lobbyists to convince candidates and legislators to support their cause Legal Actions: contact lawmakers, campaign for candidates Illegal Actions: buying lawmakers/candidates gifts or paying for their living expenses (bribes)

Methods used to end corruption between lawmakers and special interest groups: Federal Elections Campaign Act Candidates must report fundraising/spending Special interest groups have to report a list of their employees to Congress