1. Politics & Government Session 11 April 28, 2009

2. Federal Elections Senators & Representatives elected by plurality vote – the candidate winning the most votes wins President elected by Electoral College

3. Electoral College each state is given number of electoral votes equal to sum of Representatives and Senators number of Representatives based on population D.C. has 3 electoral votes the presidential candidate who wins the popular vote in a state – wins that state’s electoral votes the candidate who wins a majority of electoral votes (270 of 538) wins the election play

5. This machine is rigged!

6. Bush – Gore in 2000 George W. Bush defeated Al Gore – by 537 votes in Florida, thus gaining Florida’s 25 electoral votes Bush – 50,456,002 (47.9%) – 271 electoral votes in 30 states Gore – 50,999,897 (48.4%) – 266 electoral votes in 20 states + DC

7. Florida controversy Media: networks reported Gore won – then Bush won – then “too close to call” – influencing the actions of voters in states still voting small margin of original count  recount play

8. Irregularities unreliable voting methods – punch card systems difficult to use, especially by elderly – butterfly ballots difficult to use, especially by elderly unclear directions – no votes + multiple votes

10. under-voting/over-voting  ballots disqualified alleged felons incorrectly disqualified – predominantly African American largely Democratic voters

11. Legal Proceedings Gore’s campaign requested recount in 3 disputed counties Bush’s campaign sued to have count stopped after original deadline Numerous court rulings went both ways

12. Decisive acts: Gore’s campaign took case to Florida Supreme Court, which ordered the recount to continue Bush’s campaign appealed to the US Supreme Court December 12: US Supreme Court ruled to stop recount Vote favored Bush by 537 votes Bush receives Florida’s electoral votes and wins election

14. Citizens Speaking Up April 15 – day to file federal income taxes Conservative groups organize “Tax Tea Party” to oppose cost of stimulus package play

15. According to the polls, Obama’s approval rating is now at 68%