Chapter 7 The Electoral Process

Vocabulary Define the following terms in your notebook. 1.Nomination 2.General election 3.Caucus 4.Direct primary 5.Closed primary 6.Open primary 7.Blanket primary 8.Runoff primary 9.Nonpartisan election

Nomination The first step in running for office is nominationThe first step in running for office is nomination The 2-party system puts a real limit on the choices that voters have – you can only vote for the Democrat or RepublicanThe 2-party system puts a real limit on the choices that voters have – you can only vote for the Democrat or Republican Dictatorships do also hold elections – they have a ballot with only one candidate for each office.Dictatorships do also hold elections – they have a ballot with only one candidate for each office. There are 5 ways that nominations are made in the US.There are 5 ways that nominations are made in the US.

Self-Announcement Oldest form of the nomination processOldest form of the nomination process Still found in small towns and rural levels of the countryStill found in small towns and rural levels of the country Simple process – the person who wants to run simply announces his intention to run or someone may make the announce for himSimple process – the person who wants to run simply announces his intention to run or someone may make the announce for him

Caucus Began as private meetings consisting of a few influential members of a communityBegan as private meetings consisting of a few influential members of a community After independence, caucuses were held in state legislatures since these groups were already meeting.After independence, caucuses were held in state legislatures since these groups were already meeting. Criticism – the process excluded the average citizenCriticism – the process excluded the average citizen Today some areas still hold caucuses but open them to all members of the political partyToday some areas still hold caucuses but open them to all members of the political party

Convention A party’s members meet to select delegates who will support a particular candidate at the conventionA party’s members meet to select delegates who will support a particular candidate at the convention In theory, the will of the public is passed through each level of meetings.In theory, the will of the public is passed through each level of meetings. Party bosses soon learned how to manipulate the selection of the delegates for their own purposes.Party bosses soon learned how to manipulate the selection of the delegates for their own purposes. Conventions are not too popular at the state level but no substitute has been found for the presidential levelConventions are not too popular at the state level but no substitute has been found for the presidential level

Primaries The major difference is who is allowed to vote…The major difference is who is allowed to vote… –Closed: only declared party members can vote; in most states you must register in advance but in some states you can change on primary day –Open: any qualified voter can vote; voter can choose to vote for 1 or both parties

Money and Elections Candidates and parties draw their money from two sources – private contributors and public treasuryCandidates and parties draw their money from two sources – private contributors and public treasury 1.Small contributors – give $5 or $10 occasionally. Very small number of contributors 2.“Fat Cats” – wealthy individuals and families 3.Candidates – Ross Perot spent $65 million of his own money on his Presidential race in 1992

Money and Elections 4.Political Action Committees (PACs) – political arms of special interest and other organizations 5.Temporary Organizations – formed only for the purpose of raising money for the campaign. AKA: Friends of the candidate 6.Fundraising – dinners, picnics, receptions 7.Direct mailing and internet