How to Become President of the United States of America Election 2014

Historical Bkgd. R U ready for your mind-hole to be blown!?!… 1774- Peyton Randolph (VA) 1st Continental Congress 1775- Henry Middleton (SC) Born in London, England! Only served 5 days! 1775- Peyton Randolph (VA) 2nd Continental Congress 1776- John Hancock (MA) Declaration of Independence 1777- Henry Laurens (SC) 1778- John Jay (NY) Only 34 years old 1779- Samuel Huntington (CT) R U ready for your mind-hole to be blown!?!… George Washington was NOT the 1st elected leader of this country!!! I know, right!?! 14 different men were President B4 G-Dub! 3 different names for the government even Prior to 1781- The Congress Under the Articles of Confederation- The United States in Congress Assembled Under the Constitution- The United Stats of America Always had a “President” though Served average of 1 year apiece Always elected, but differently and by whom is the real story 1774- 1st Continental Congress elects Peyton Randolph first President Presides over the 1st and 2nd Continental Congress’ Most famous and only one elected twice (non- consecutively, too) John Hancock 1781- Thomas McKean (DE) Articles of Confederation signed American Revolution ends! 1781- John Hanson (MD) 1782- Elias Boudinot (NJ) 1783- Thomas Mifflin (PA) 1784- Richard Henry Lee (VA) 1785- John Hancock (MA) 1786- Nathaniel Gorham (MA) 1787- Arthur St. Clair (PA) Scotish-born! 1788- Cyrus Griffin (VA) GW not 1st President (2:42)

Requirements of a Candidate At least 35 years old Natural-Born Citizen Lived in the USA for 14 years STEP 1: Make official announcement of your candidacy and file applications w/ FEC STEP 2: Decide your stance on the issues STEP 3: Begin fund raising STEP 4: Gather support & $$$ STEP 5: Campaign!!!

Political Parties 2 Party system People often vote by party Republican & Democrat Allows for others though People often vote by party “I’m this” or “I’m that,” but don’t know what either candidate stands for “Doesn’t matter what he stands for, I’m this so I’m voting for this guy!” Be true to your beliefs, not your teacher’s or parents, or friends Vote not for party but stance on issues Which candidate believes in the same stuff you do!?!

Electoral Process Presidential General Election 18 years old to vote Held every 4 years Held on the Tuesday between Nov. 2nd and 8th 18 years old to vote People must pre-register, based on residency Each person can only vote once Who the heck is the Electoral College!?! 538 Total Electoral Votes Each state has a certain number of votes in the Electoral College Based on population NC has 15 People vote for state “Electors” “Electors” actually vote on presidential candidates Usually give all state’s electoral votes to winner of state’s general election (people’s vote) Don’t have to though 1st Candidate to 270 wins! How to Elect a President (3:42)

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions! Who Should I Vote For??? Why??? Go to these 2 websites… www.selectsmart.com/president/ Look at the issues that candidates of today face Where do you stand on the issues? http://www.scholastic.com/kids/president/ You are going to be POTUS, how will you run the country? Take quizzes honestly See which candidate aligns with your beliefs Do both websites give you the same candidate? Yes or No If NOT, how come? Have MOM and DAD do the same for both President and Congress (Vote Easy) Let them see who they should vote for? Don’t ask though, it’s their right not to share who they voted for!!!