Chapter 10 Electing Leaders American Civics 2/28/2019 Chapter 10 Electing Leaders Section 1: A Two-Party System Section 2: Political Party Organization Section 3: The Right to Vote Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders Chapter 10

Section 1: A Two-Party System https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v7XXSt9XRM Section 1: A Two-Party System The Main Idea Political parties play an important role in the American democratic process. Party supporters put their political ideas to work at all levels of government. Reading Focus What is the role of political parties in the United States? What are the differences between two-party and one-party political systems? What impact have third parties had on the United States?

Political parties in the United States: Section 1: A Two-Party System Political parties in the United States: Large groups with similar ideas and goals unite Works to pass laws to benefit their public issues Individuals to have a stronger voice within a group Parties must compromise and work together

The development of political parties: Section 1: A Two-Party System The development of political parties: 1st two political parties: Federalists—strengthen central government power Antifederalists (Democratic-Republicans)-limit central government power. Current Political Parties: Democrats: formed in 1820s by Andrew Jackson to represent the “common people” Republicans: formed in 1854 by antislavery groups; nominated Abraham Lincoln for president in 1860

One-party and two-party systems: Section 1: A Two-Party System One-party and two-party systems: One-party systems—dictatorships or totalitarian governments; one group or person has power; people do not have essential freedoms Two-party systems—create stable governments; allow for majority rule; voters have a choice

SECTION 1 Question: What are the differences between one- and two-party systems? One-Party System Two-Party System Usually a totalitarian government Usually an unlimited government A government unrestrained by the people Opposition parties illegal  Usually restrictive of civil and political rights Usually forms a stable government Usually a limited government Composed of a diverse group of people who share similar political beliefs Elections are based on a “winner take all” format  Usually civil and political rights are protected

Section 2: Political Party Organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lt-f3QQ7-A Section 2: Political Party Organization The Main Idea Political parties have workers and committees at the local, state, and national levels. The party nominates candidates for office and campaigns to get those candidates elected. Reading Focus How are political parties organized? How do political parties operate at the local level? What are the two main sources of money for financing political campaigns?

Party committees and their responsibilities: Section 2: Political Party Organization Party committees and their responsibilities: National committee—organizes the national convention; publishes and distributes literature; arranges speakers; aids presidential candidate State central committees—supervises operations within the states; maintain harmony and organization; raise money and aid candidates Local committees—conduct campaigns; recommend appointments and candidates; raise money; crucial to party success; precinct captains encourage voters to cast ballots for the party’s candidates

Money and Regulations Section 2: Political Party Organization Private contributions make up a large % of funds. Business groups and labor unions also contribute. Large fund-raising events are held by each party. Fear of corruption made Congress start to regulate the size of donations.

Section 2: Political Party Organization Federal Election Campaign Act- passed in 1972 to lessen the possibility of corruption; limits size of contributions and requires a report of donors. Soft money- (money that doesn’t go to a particular candidate) difficult to monitor. Presidential Election Campaign Fund-gives public funds to qualified candidates who can then no longer receive private donations.

State Central Committees SECTION 2 Question: What are the responsibilities of each of the committees, and how do they help their major political party? National Committee  Selects the site and date for the national nominating convention  Sets rules for convention  Helps presidential candidate with election State Central Committees  Supervises party’s operations within each state  Maintains party harmony  Helps raise money for political campaigns Local Committees  Conducts campaigns at the local level  Raises money for the party and party candidates  Makes recommendations for political appointments  Precinct captains are responsible for getting voters out to vote

Section 3: The Right to Vote https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhMgy894v5Q Section 3: The Right to Vote The Main Idea The right to vote is one of the most important rights held by U.S. citizens. It is the means through which citizens can most directly affect the actions of government. Reading Focus How do you become a voter in the United States? What is the difference between primary elections and general elections? How has the voting process changed over the years?

Voting Rights in U.S. Elections: Section 3: The Right to Vote Voting Rights in U.S. Elections: All U.S. citizens over the age of 18 are eligible Cannot deny the right to vote based on race, color, or sex. Voting Rights Act protects voters’ rights. Disqualified voters include: prison inmates, mentally incompetent persons, election-law violators, and persons with no established residence. Voters must register at least 30 days before an election.

Primary Elections: Section 3: The Right to Vote Allows registered voters to choose the party candidates Closed primary: only party members can vote for each party’s candidate Open primary: voters can vote for either party’s candidates

General Elections: Section 3: The Right to Vote Registered voters choose the elected official. Organizations, newspapers, radio, television, and magazines help inform voters.

Changes in the voting process: Section 3: The Right to Vote Changes in the voting process: Early 1800s—voting was by voice 1888—secret ballots adopted to ensure fairness and honesty 1960s—Mechanical lever machines were most common TODAY: Punchcards, mark-sense, and direct recording electronic systems are other paper-ballot alternatives.

Mechanical lever machines Marksense (optical scan) SECTION 3 Question: What are the various voting methods currently used across the country? Paper ballot Mechanical lever machines Voting Methods Marksense (optical scan) DRE system Suggestions?

Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5at389A1BkA&index=1&list=PLv13xg41K1p9u4si-w0CtwxJfYJ6C600P https://youtu.be/vST61W4bGm8 Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders The Main Idea Every four years the United States elects a president. Citizens need to follow the presidential election campaign, stay informed about the candidates and the issues, and vote. Reading Focus What is the main purpose of the electoral college? What is the nomination process at the national party conventions?

National nominating conventions and choosing delegates: Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders National nominating conventions and choosing delegates: Delegates are elected in primaries or selected by party leaders. Parties agree on a platform and select a candidate at national conventions. Conventions are huge, televised events intended to spread the party’s message to voters.

The nomination process at the national conventions: Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders The nomination process at the national conventions: State-by-state roll call and nominating speeches for candidates Balloting of the delegates ensues until candidate is chosen Delegates nominate the VP based on ability win votes Presidential candidates have the strongest voice regarding the choice for VP.

Methods of presidential campaigning: Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders Methods of presidential campaigning: TV and other media advertise candidates’ views. Presidential debates (televised since 1960s) Computers offer online campaigning Personal-appearance tours Telephone campaigning urges citizens to vote Canvassing (door to door) by local committees

The main purpose of the electoral college: Section 4: Nominating and Electing Our Leaders The main purpose of the electoral college: Electors cast the official votes for presidency based on the popular vote in each state. The framers of the Constitution worried citizens would not be able to choose wise leaders. The relevancy of the electoral college today is in debate.

SECTION 4 Question: What events occur between the time a person announces candidacy and inauguration? Presidential Election Day Votes counted before a Joint Session of Congress National Nominating Conventions Announces candidacy Electors Vote Presidential Primaries Campaigning Inauguration

Chapter 10 Wrap-Up 1. What purposes do political parties serve, and what are the advantages of a two-party system? 2. What are coalition governments, and why are they often unstable? 3. How do political parties raise money, and how does Congress regulate fund-raising? 4. How do presidential candidates use public funds for their campaigns? 5. What protections do voters receive from the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act of 1965? 6. How do the major political parties select their presidential candidates? 7. Why do some people want to replace the electoral college?