1. Nominations, Campaigns, Elections, & Interest Groups

3. PURPOSE:

4. for the convention: all During the primaries in some states, the candidate that wins the majority of popular votes will get all of that state’s delegates (called WINNER-TAKE-ALL: no votes awarded for 2 nd place) In other states it is divided up based on congressional district winners or proportionally divided amongst top vote getters.

5. Primary season is from January to June. (Winning in early states means fundraising is easier.) Iowa holds caucuses and New Hampshire holds primary election in JANUARY (1 st in the nation) Many states have moved up their dates to gain media attention (called frontloading ). The later races don’t matter (called beauty contests) since the nominees are usually evident after SUPER TUESDAY (a lot of states hold their primary on the same day, usually in Feb or early March)

7. 1.Takes power away from party bosses (party machines) by giving nomination control to people (i.e. primaries/caucuses & delegates to convention) 2.McGovern-Fraser Commission 2.McGovern-Fraser Commission forces delegates to be chosen fairly and openly (now done through primaries/caucuses instead of party elites) Superdelegates- 3. Superdelegates- elected officials/party leaders who automatically become delegates @ the convention (most used by Democratic party) & are not pledged to one candidate

8. General election is held in November A slate of electors is chosen in each state based on the popular vote. Electors cast separate ballots for President & Vice President (12 th Amend) 270 Electoral votes needed to win Tie is decided by the House of Reps President who wind popular vote doesn’t always win the electoral vote (G W Bush, 2000)

11. After BCRA (2002) – people still found loopholes.. BCRA unintentionally created: 1.527 organizations 1.527 organizations: groups that do not support specific candidates and are therefore not subject to limitations 2.501 (c) groups 2.501 (c) groups: “non-profit” and are not subject to limitations 3.Citizens United vs. FEC 3.Citizens United vs. FEC: allowed unions and corporations to spend unlimited funds on issue ads since they are not linked to a candidate, striking down the part of BCRA that placed such limitations.

12. Registration Registration Solution… National Voter Registration Act of 1993- “motor voter bill” Solution… National Voter Registration Act of 1993- “motor voter bill” Register to vote when renewing license or car Register to vote when renewing license or car Reg. forms in public offices Reg. forms in public offices Reg. through mail Reg. through mail has not significantly changed voter turnout has not significantly changed voter turnout * *As of 2012 you can finally register online!

13. Interest Groups Linkage institutions Attempt to influence policy: -Lobbying -Campaign donations (through PACs) -Grassroots -Litigation (including class-action lawsuits) -Amicus Curiae briefs -Direct Legislation (initiative & referendum) One side of Iron Triangles

14. Economic Interests – Labor (AFL-CIO, CTA) – Agriculture (American Farm Bureau) – Business (Chamber of Commerce) Environmental Interests (Sierra Club) Equality Interests (ACLU) Consumer Interests (BBB) Public Interest Lobbies (Democracy 21)