“Elections in the United States” Ch. 7, Sec. 1

How does a candidate get from this point…

… to this point?

Let’s illustrate why “narrowing the field” is important… “$1,000 Bill example”

 …narrows the field of possible candidates for public office.  Why do political parties need to “narrow the field?”

Now, let’s look at the nominating process! (We will use the Presidency as an example)

Step 1 Self-Announcement Step 2 _______/______ Step 3 ________ ___________ Success! Party’s Nomination!

 Rick Perry and his big announcement... Rick Perry and his big announcement...  Ron Paul announces he is running in Ron Paul announces he is running in  And one last one, for craps and giggles... And one last one, for craps and giggles...  Self-announcement is the first step in the process!

Once the candidate has announced their intentions for the Presidency… Step 1 Self-Announcement Step 2 Primary/Caucus Step 3 ________ ___________ Success! Party’s Nomination!

 Primary elections are run by state and local governments…  Are definitely elections…  Cost South Carolina approx. $1.5 million!  Caucuses are private events run by the political parties themselves!  Are definitely NOT elections, more like meetings

 Primary elections are an essential part of this nomination process!  Primary Elections: an election in which party members or voters select candidates for the General Election.  “Indirect Election”…

 Two types of primaries…  Closed primaries…  Voters cannot vote for a candidate in the opposite party.  EX) If you are an identified Democrat, you can only vote for a Democratic candidate. (OHIO/“Semi-Closed”)  Open primaries…  Voters can vote for a candidate in any party.  Only one vote can be cast, of course. No party affiliation need be made or adhered to.

Now, here is where it gets confusing – BUT, we will try and keep it simple!

Each state has a portion of these delegates given to them to give to the Republican candidates… (It is a similar process for Democrats, as well)

As each state holds their primary or caucus, delegates are awarded to the competitors in relation to how they finish…

 “Blanket”  “Run-off” (Round two)  Non-partisan election

Once the candidate has announced their intentions for the Presidency… Step 1 Self-Announcement Step 2 Primary/Caucus Step 3 National Convention Success! Party’s Nomination!

 The National Convention is the final step in the nomination process…  Purpose of the convocation is to officially nominate a candidate in an upcoming U.S. presidential election!  Signifies the end of primary season and the start of campaigning for a general election.  In recent years, the nominee has been known well before the convention…  Republican National Convention Republican National Convention

Sarah Palin, 2008 RNC - Vice Pres. Candidate (it’s a big party, basically)

2004 RNC - Protest

2008 DNC - John Legend