HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON1 CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT Chapter 10 Electing Leaders Section 1:A Two-Party System A Two-Party SystemA Two-Party System Section 2:Political Party Organization Political Party OrganizationPolitical Party Organization Section 3:The Right to Vote The Right to VoteThe Right to Vote Section 4:Nominating and Electing Leaders Nominating and Electing LeadersNominating and Electing Leaders
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON2 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? Section 1:A Two-Party System
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON3Vocabulary Political party – organization of citizens who share similar views on issues and who work together to put their ideas into effect through government action. Nominate – select candidates to run for office Candidate – person who runs for government office Political spectrum – range of differences in political views between political parties. Two-party system – political system with two main political parties.
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON4Vocabulary Multiparty system – political system with more than two strong political parties. Coalition – agreement between two or more political parties to work together to run the government One-party system – government controlled by a single political party. Third parties – smaller political parties.
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON5 Political parties in the United States: Way for large groups with similar ideas to get things done Take positions on public issues and work to pass laws Allows individuals to have a stronger voice within a group Parties must compromise and work together Section 1:A Two-Party System
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON6 The development of political parties in the United States: Federalists—believed in strengthening the central government Antifederalists (Democratic-Republicans) tried to limit the power of the federal government. 1820s—Andrew Jackson led the Democratic Party; determined the government should represent the “common people” 1854—Republican Party formed by antislavery groups; nominated Abraham Lincoln for president in 1860 Section 1:A Two-Party System
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON7 Two-party political systems: Two-party systems—create stable governments; allow for majority rule; voters have a choice Advantages: both parties offer ideas and policies that are near the center of public opinion Government policies are unlikely to change drastically in a short period of time. Section 1:A Two-Party System
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON8 Multiparty Systems More than two strong political parties To run government one party, or two or more parties agree to compromise and work together (coalition) Disadvantage – political parties disagree and coalition breaks apart, weakening government and country.
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON9 One-Party System One-party systems—dictatorships or totalitarian governments; one group or person has power; people do not have essential freedoms Examples: Cuba, China, North Korea, Iran, North Vietnam
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON10 Third Parties Have influenced politics in the U.S. Progressive Party – 1912, Teddy Roosevelt, helped get Democrat Woodrow Wilson elected. Reform Party – 1992, Ross Perot, helped get Bill Clinton elected. Influenced government policy: Populist Party – election of U.S. Senators directly by voters (17 th Amendment)
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON11 Question: What are the differences between one- and two-party systems? SECTION 1 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 One-Party SystemTwo-Party System
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON12 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? Section 2:Political Party Organization
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON13 Party committees and their responsibilities: National committee—sets dates, rules, and location of national convention; publishes and distributes literature; arranges speakers; aids presidential candidate State central committees—supervise 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 Section 2:Political Party Organization
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON14 Money and Regulations Private contributions make up a large percentage of funds. Business groups, labor unions and other groups also contribute. Large fund-raising events are held by each party. Fear of corruption prompted Congress to regulate the size of donations. Section 2:Political Party Organization
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON15 Federal Election Campaign Act 1972—Federal Election Campaign Act passed to lessen the possibility of corruption FECA limits size of contributions and requires a report of donors. Soft money remains difficult to monitor. The Presidential Election Campaign Fund gives public funds to qualified candidates who can then no longer receive private donations. Section 2:Political Party Organization
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON16 Question: What are the responsibilities of each of the committees, and how do they help their major political party? SECTION 2 National Committee Selects the site and date for the national nominating convention Sets rules for convention Helps presidential candidate with election 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 State Central Committees Supervises party’s operations within each state Maintains party harmony Helps raise money for political campaigns
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON17 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? Section 3:The Right to Vote
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON18Vocabulary Independent voters – citizens who are not members of a political party Primary election – election in which voters choose candidates within the party who will run in the general election Closed primary – only those voters who are registered in the party can vote to choose the party’s candidates Open primary – voters may vote for the candidates of either major party whether or not the voters belong to the party. Secret ballot – method of voting in which a voter marks a paper ballot in secret
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON19 Voting Rights in U.S. Elections All U.S. citizens over the age of 18 are eligible to vote. States cannot deny the right to vote based on race, color, or sex. The 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 prior to an election. Section 3:The Right to Vote
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON20 Primary Elections 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 Section 3:The Right to Vote
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON21 General Elections Registered voters choose the leaders. Organizations, newspapers, radio, television, and magazines help inform voters. Section 3:The Right to Vote
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON22 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 Punchcards, mark-sense, and direct recording electronic systems are other paper-ballot alternatives. Section 3:The Right to Vote
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON23 Question: What are the various voting methods currently used across the country? SECTION 3 Voting Methods Paper ballot Mechanical lever machines Marksense (optical scan) DRE system Suggestions?
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON24 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? Section 4:Nominating and Electing Leaders
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON25Vocabulary Popular vote – vote of the citizens of the country Elector – one of the people chosen from each state and the District of Columbia who formally sect the president and vice president. Electoral college – group of electors from around the country Electoral votes – votes cast by electors for the president and vice president Platform – statement of a party’s views and policies on important issues Plank – part of a party platform
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON26 National nominating conventions and choosing delegates: Delegates are elected in primaries or selected by party leaders. Additional delegates are determined by different formulas. 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. Section 4:Nominating and Electing Leaders
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON27 The nomination process at the national conventions: State-by-state roll call and nominating speeches for candidates Favorite sons or daughters nominated to honor or delay decision Balloting of the delegates ensues until candidate is chosen Delegates nominate the vice president based on ability win votes Presidential candidates have the strongest voice regarding the choice for vice president. Section 4:Nominating and Electing Leaders
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON28 Methods of presidential campaigning: Television and other media advertise candidates’ views. Presidential debates (televised since 1960s) Computers offer online campaigning. Personal-appearance tours Telephone campaigning urges citizens to vote. Section 4:Nominating and Electing Leaders
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON29 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:Nominating and Electing Our Leaders
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON30 Question: What events occur between the time a person announces candidacy and inauguration? SECTION 4 Announces candidacy National Nominating Conventions Presidential Election Day Votes counted before a Joint Session of Congress Presidential Primaries Campaigning Electors Vote Inauguration
CIVICS IN PRACTICE HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON31 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? 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?