1. The Electoral Process Nominating Candidates

2. Nominating Process Self-announcementSelf-announcement CaucusCaucus ConventionConvention Direct PrimaryDirect Primary PetitionPetition V. V.

3. Nominating Process Self-announcementSelf-announcement –Oldest form in American politics –Mainly used in local elections or by 3 rd parties –Arnold Schwarzenegger was 1 of 135 to self announce –Senator Joe Lieberman (I-Ct) self-announced when he lost the Democratic Primary…and won in the general election

4. Nominating Process Caucus—a group of like-minded people who meet to select candidate and policy issuesCaucus—a group of like-minded people who meet to select candidate and policy issues –Used to be done by political parties to nominate candidates, now only about 1/3 of state’s parties use this process…think Iowa –Now done by groups of citizens but used to be done by influential leaders in communities or legislatures Old system was done away with as a corrupt methodOld system was done away with as a corrupt method

5. Nominating Process The ConventionThe Convention –Replace the collapsed caucus system after the Jackson election of 1832…mainly used by 1840s –Party leaders caucus locally to pick local candidate and choose delegate to vote at county, state, and national conventions for their candidates –Local party bosses (big whigs) soon managed to corrupt the system, by subverting will of people –System became mostly ceremonial after Progressive reforms of early 1900s

6. Nominating Process Direct PrimaryDirect Primary –Intraparty election to pick candidate to run in general election –Came about during Progressive reforms of early 1900s as reaction to corruption in convention process…Robert Lafollette of Wisconsin began –Closed primary—only declared party members can vote for that party…CA currently –Open primary—party nominating election in which any qualified voter can take part Only used in 23 states…on ballot in 2010 for CAOnly used in 23 states…on ballot in 2010 for CA Blanket primary—all voters receive same ballot w/ all candidates listedBlanket primary—all voters receive same ballot w/ all candidates listed –CA version was outlawed in 2000 due to political party being forced to associate w/ outsiders

7. Nominating Process PetitionPetition –Candidates are nominated by received a certain number of required signatures on a petition –Used at local elections mainly or by 3 rd parties in national elections

8. Nominating Process General ElectionsGeneral Elections –When nominated candidates from all parties compete for various national, state, and local offices –Usually the 1 st Tuesday after the 1 st Monday in November of even numbered years V.

9. Running for President? Run against members of your own party in 50 different caucuses and primaries. If you get a majority of the available delegates (complicated system based on population and congressional districts) you win.Run against members of your own party in 50 different caucuses and primaries. If you get a majority of the available delegates (complicated system based on population and congressional districts) you win. You are officially nominated at the national convention, but this is mainly show.You are officially nominated at the national convention, but this is mainly show. –Also party platform adopted –Vice Presidential running mate is nominated. –A lot of pomp and circumstance. Run against opposing parties candidates in general election on 1 st Tues. after 1 st Monday in November of leap years.Run against opposing parties candidates in general election on 1 st Tues. after 1 st Monday in November of leap years.

10. Ponder This! 1.If you are a liberal, your are more than likely a Republican or a Democrat? 2.If you are a conservative, you are more than likely a Republican or a Democrat? 3.What role do 3 rd parties play? 4.What kinds of 3 rd parties are there? 5.What is the difference between a convention & a caucus? 6.What is the difference between a primary and general election? 7.What is process to elect a president (not including the electoral college)?

11. Ponder This! 8.What does the 15 th Amendment do? 9.What does the 19 th Amendment do? 10.What did the 23 rd Amendment do? 11.What did the 24 th Amendment do? 12.What did the 26 th Amendment do? 13.What is your opinion on the newly proposed Amendment to give Washington D.C. residents 1 Representative in Congress?

12. Ponder This! 14.What are some reasons that people (especially your age) choose not to vote? 15.What benefit comes with voting? 16.Should the U.S. pass a law REQUIRING you to vote or pay a fine? 17.What political party do men usually vote for? Women? Minorities? Whites? Catholics? Protestants? 18.How do you think campaigns for Congress and President are financed?

13. Guess What? Make sure you are able to respond to the previous questions…you will have a quiz on them tomorrow Make sure you are able to respond to the previous questions…you will have a quiz on them tomorrow