1. Political Process Study Guide: 2012 SOL CE.5a, b, c, d, e

2. Functions of Political Parties * * recruiting & nominating candidates * educating the electorate about Campaign issues * helping candidates win elections * monitoring actions of officeholders

3. Similarities b/t Parties * organize to win elections * influence public policies * reflect liberal & conservative views * appeal to political center to win * stated in their party platform (where they stand on the issues) Differences in Political Parties

4. Third Parties * introduce new ideas * revolve around a single person

5. How do we make informed choices? * separate fact from opinion * detecting bias * evaluating sources identifying propaganda (things used to influence our thinking/behavior)

6. Media Roles in Elections * identify the candidates * emphasize selected issues * broadcast different points of view * writing editorials, creating political cartoons

7. Rising Campaign Costs * require candidates to fundraise * give an advantage to wealthy * limit opportunities to run for office * encourages development of PAC’s * give issue oriented interest groups influence

8. Campaign Finance Reform * rising costs have led to campaign finance reform * limits placed on how much people can give ($1000, PAC’s $5000)

9. How can you participate? * participate in campaigns * participate in voting simulations

10. VOTING Qualifications: * citizen of U.S. * resident of Virginia & precinct * 18 on or before election ___22_____ days in advance

11. How do you Register? in person @ DMV, registrars office, or other designated sites * by mail in application

12. WHO VOTES? Factors that Predict Who Will Vote * age * income * education Reasons Why Citizens Fail to Vote * lack of interest * failure to register Elections: More voters turn out to vote for the _ PRESIDENT___ than in state & local elections. __EVERY______ vote is important!

13. ELECTORAL COLLEGE The # of electors each state has is based on Representation in Congress Electoral College Process * slate of electors chosen by popular vote * most states have winner take all * officially vote for President & V.P. Winner take all leads to the candidates focusing on the __LARGE____ states but they must pay attention to the ___SMALL________ states.