Presidential Elections Electoral College Political Platforms 1. Political Parties Presidential Elections Electoral College Political Platforms

Political Parties An organized group of people with common values and beliefs who try to get their candidates elected to political office “Afraid” “Stubbornness”

Primary vs. Caucus Primary - A primary is a statewide voting process. Caucus - local gatherings, where voters decide which candidate to support and select delegates to represent them at the convention.

Political Conventions Is a meeting by a political party to announce candidates Presidential nominations – every 4 years In past was a way to identify principles and goals (platform) Now, it’s really just ceremonial!

Political Conventions Held in major city – 4yrs Large political and economic impact, cities compete vigorously During the day, party activists run workshops discussing their platform, in the evening voting and convention wide addresses occur.

Political Conventions Minor figures – daytime address Major party figures – nighttime address Keynote address – underscore the parties themes or political goals. Final Day of address (3) Formal Acceptance speech from the nominees for President and Vice President.

Democratic & Republican Opponents Utilize the handout to identify their planks – the overall Presidential Platform.

Presidential Planks Issue Clinton Trump Taxes Minimum wage Would largely maintain the current tax code, with some increases for wealthier taxpayers. Proposes across-the-board tax cut, with large cuts for wealthier taxpayers. Minimum wage Would increase nationally to $12, with $15 in some locations. Has said he does not support a federal minimum wage but wants states to set their own minimum wages. Trans-Pacific Partnership After once helping negotiate the deal, she has since expressed skepticism. Has come out forcefully against the trade agreement. Manufacturing sector Favors tax incentives for investment in hard-hit manufacturing locales and incentives for companies to bring back jobs to the U.S. Also favors increased policing of trading partners. Proposes using aggressive trade enforcement and possible tariff increases to rebuild the manufacturing industry. Worker retraining Enhance worker retraining options, such as a tax credit for businesses of $1,500 per apprentice. No public stance. Infrastructure Would boost federal investment by $275 billion over five years and create a $25 billion infrastructure bank. Supports infrastructure expansion but hasn’t offered funding details. Issue Clinton Trump Energy development Will propose goal of renewable electricity "to power every home in America within 10 years" and slash oil consumption by one-third. Promises to revive the U.S. fossil-fuel sector, including by reducing regulations. Science and technology Would increase funding for scientific research at agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. No public stance. Income inequality Create a 15 percent tax credit for companies that share profits with workers on top of wages and pay increases. Has offered few details beyond his tax plan and a comment critical of CEO pay. Wall Street regulation Supports keeping the Dodd-Frank law and in some cases would tighten rules for Wall Street, such as taxing high-frequency trading. Has said he would dismantle Dodd-Frank. Small business Would ease regulatory burdens on community banks and support innovative financing methods. Has sharply criticized government regulation but has not proposed specific policies. Policies for working families Advocates equal pay, paid family leave, earned sick days, and expanded child care.