Chapter 10 Section 1

Quiz Why type of party system does the U.S. have? What is a platform? What is a third party? What is a National Committee? What is a Political Machine? What are the two main political parties of the U.S.? What is a Plank? What is a State Committee? What are the 3 reason third parties run for election? Which political party believes in direct government interaction with peoples everyday lives? Which political party believes that the government should have a hands off approach in peoples everyday lives?

What is the difference between a duty and a responsibility? Focus Question What is the difference between a duty and a responsibility?

Qualifying to Vote Voting is a responsibility Your political power is your vote Voting history How has voting qualification changed over time? Voter Registration Must register to vote 1995 National Voter Registration Act Motor Voter Registration Act Renew License Prove you are a citizen

Steps in Voting Voters go to the poll place Voters go to their designated precincts At the polls Open 7-8 Cast ballots Casting a vote Voting machines Absentee ballots Voting before the election takes place Old, sick, college, out of town

Why your vote matters Counting the Votes Votes are counted electronically Exit polls Asks people who they voted for Media does this all the time People are the voice of the government People who are eligible to vote are the electorate Reasons people don’t vote: apathy IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO VOTE!

Section 2

What is the motor voter act? Focus Question What is the motor voter act?

Election Campaign Three types of elections General elections Elections on issues Special elections

General Elections Elections are a two part process Nomination of a candidate in a primary election General election people choose the candidate Always the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November All house seats are up for grabs 1/3 of the senate seats are up for grabs Except for the presidential election the person who wins the popular vote wins the election If the vote is close the loser has the right to ask for a recount

Voting on Issues and Special Elections Initiative-Propose new ideas Citizens who want new laws gather signatures Proposition is then put on the ballot Referendum is a way for citizens to approve or reject a state or local law Special Elections Run off elections Recall Starts with a petition

Nomination Presidential Elections have three steps Nominations Campaign The Vote and Electoral College Nomination Begins at least 1 year prior to election year National conventions Delegates show up to choose candidates Backers would offer support Have to choose someone people like

Campaigns and The Vote Campaign The Vote Campaigns begin the summer prior to the election Travel around the world Meet with state and local representatives Private vs. Public campaign funding The Vote Popular vote vs. electoral votes Winner take all Critics Larger states have too many votes Unfair power Hurts third parties Are we really a democracy?

Section 3

Focus Question What is an exit poll?

Running for Office America spent $3 billion on the national and state election of 2012 In order to have a successful campaign you have to have funding Campaigning is key to winning an election Convince the public you are worthy People have to trust you

Parts of a Political Campaign Canvassing Traveling through the nation talking to the public Get to know you constituents Endorsements Famous or powerful people who back a candidate Electorate will favor the endorser Advertisement TV, Radio, Newspaper, Have to be a model citizen

Parts of a Political Campaign Campaign Expenses $10,000/min for TV commercials Postage Travel Workers Printing costs Food Other expenses In the past election congress spent between $1.5-$15 million per seat The presidential candidates spent between $50-$100 million on campaigning

Financing a Campaign Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) 1971 Limited the amount of money Contributions now have to be disclosed Public Funding Taxpayers pay funding $3 get a tax break Soft Money Money put into a political parties program Campaign Reform Limits on hard money $25,000/donor/year

Chapter 10 Quiz What is the motor voter act? What is an absentee ballot? What is an exit poll? What is the popular vote? There are three types of elections; Name 2 of them. What is propaganda? What are three steps of the voting process?

Focus Question What is propaganda?

Focus Question What is canvassing?