AND THE STUDENT’S GUIDE TO THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE Intro to Political Parties

Political Parties 101 Political Party- group of people similar opinions on how government should function who attempt to control the government Not established in the Constitution, but have become essential in how we function What each party supports has flip-flopped several times.  Confusing much?

Democrats: The Party of the People Originally started with Thomas Jefferson in 1792  Against powerful government Today- in general!  Big government- powerful and involved- defending people’s liberty  Liberal on social issues

Republicans: The Grand Old Party Started in 1854 as an anti-slavery party Today- in general!  Limited Government  Conservative on social issues

Conservative vs. Liberal Conservative  Go slow!  Things are pretty good the way they are  Tradition  If you rush me, I’ll resist Liberal  Hurry Up!  Things need to change  Open to change  If you slow me down, I’ll attack

Progressive vs. Radical Progressive  Evolutionary change  Use the system  Peaceful Protest  We’ve got time  Civil Rights Radical  Revolutionary change  The system IS the problem  By any means necessary  Time is the enemy  Human Rights

Exit ticket part 1 At the top of your sheet, make a T chart, labeling one side democrats, the other republicans  List at least 2 characteristics of each group Underneath, write a few sentences explaining which group you agree with most- give at least 1 specific reason  If you aren’t sure, explain your confusion with at least 1 specific example.

Electing a President Road to the Presidency  Candidates are announced- lots of planning and party endorsement  Primaries- methods are decided by the states- voting within parties  Primary times are staggered  After primaries- Republicans vs. Democrats

Electing a President cont. The Electoral College  A system established in the Constitution in which citizens vote for a party’s set of electors who in turn vote for the President  Remember- Union of States!

Electing a President cont. States are worth as many “points” as they have electors (or districts).  Each state is grouped into congressional district based on population. States can gain or lose districts (and thus electors) as population changes.  Arizona will have 11 electors (9 districts/representatives and 2 Senators) in the 2016 election, and will thus get 11 electoral votes  Remember, they have capped the number of electoral college votes, thus if one state gains, another loses

Electing a President cont. Electors from each state meet on Dec. 12 th and cast their votes (assumed to be the ones dictated by the party). Wait a minute, Dec 12? Isn’t the President elected in November? Although “who won” is usually known by the night of election day, the President isn’t technically elected until January 6 th when the President of the Senate tallies the votes That’s why he’s called the President Elect until he is inaugurated.

Electing a President cont. All the States Total: 538 votes  435 Reps/Districts, 100 Senators, 3 for DC (23 rd Amendment).  Candidate needs 270 votes to win What happens if no one gets 270?  The House of Representatives picks the President- voting by state, not population; 1 vote per state.

Flaws in the Electoral College Danger that the candidate that wins the popular vote will not win the election  Winner takes all for electoral votes- even if it’s close. No requirement for electors to vote according to popular vote  It has happened 11 times, but it has never affected the outcome of the election…but it could If no majority is reached, President is chosen in the House of Reps.  If they can’t reach a majority, there might be no President by inauguration day.

Exit ticket part 2 Look back at your notes and summarize the electoral college system in 2-3 sentences What’s wrong with this system- list at least 1 flaw When you are finished, put your name on your paper and turn it in to the drop off box on your way out