1. People and Politics

2. Warm Up!
What were the requirements for voting right after the Constitution was created?

3. VOTING & Requirements A right and a responsibility of citizenship.
18 years old
U.S. Citizen
State Resident
Mentally Competent
Not a convicted felon
Is this fair? Can prisoner vote change outcome of elections?

4. VOTING: REGISTRATION Must register 25 days before the election at: DMV
Registrar’s Office
Mail in Application
Qualified citizens have a responsibility of stay informed about campaign issues and exercise their right to vote.

5. Election Day
Eligible voters polling place in precinct (district where you live)
Present valid ID or verification of address
Receive ballot & list of candidates
Enter private, secure voting booth & cast vote

6. VOTING: PARTICIPATION
Voters
Non Voters
Increased turn-out in Presidential Elections
Participation more likely:
Education
Age
Income
Lack Interest
Forget to register
Not informed on issues
Participation less likely:
Income
Age
Education

7. Before you vote…
You should pay attention to the election campaigns, watch the debates between candidates, and read about the candidates’ positions on various issues.
The best place to read about the issues are the candidates’ websites. The national and local media can be good also, but be careful to separate facts from opinions.

8. Apathy
Absentee ballot: voting ballot that you can cast if you cannot go to the polls on election day (ex: soldiers in other countries, people in hospitals, etc)
Voter apathy: lack of interest & believing that your vote does not really count

9. Voting Flyer
Some people do not vote because they don’t know the steps. Your task is to make an attention-grabbing flyer with some basic voting info to inform the public.
You must include the following:
Who is eligible to vote?
How to register to vote?
What are the steps in voting (include precinct, polling place, ballot, and absentee ballot)
What happens after you vote
Why you should vote? (be convincing!)
Pictures/illustrations/color!
Pairs or groups of 3

10. Political Parties

11. Political Parties
A political party = an organization of people with similar interests who organize to win elections and operate the government.
Candidates need majority of votes (over 50%) to win elections in the U.S.
two-party system. 2 main political parties (Democrats & Republicans) dominate our politics, but there are other parties called third parties.

12. FUNCTIONS AND PURPOSES OF POLITICAL PARTIES
Recruit and Nominate Candidates for Public Offices
Conventions- Name Candidates
Primaries- Elect Candidates

13. FUNCTIONS AND PURPOSES OF POLITICAL PARTIES
Help Candidates Win Elections
Set Party Goals
Platform- Statement of party’s positions of major issues
Most important function since candidate will support party goals if elected

14. FUNTIONS AND PURPOSES OF POLICAL PARTIES
Leadership
Work to pass laws that support the party’s goals
Watchdog
Monitor the actions of officeholders to insure that they are honest and hardworking

15. FUNTIONS AND PURPOSES OF POLICAL PARTIES
Help Citizens
Educate citizens about issues
Offer opportunities for citizens to be involved in the political process.

16. THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM
Left Center Right
Democrats Moderates Republicans

17. DEMOCRATS “Liberal” On the left
Support government financed programs to help the poor
Emphasize domestic programs
More/Expanded Government
Supported by workers, laborers, lower and middle income levels

19. REPUBLICANS “Conservative” On the Right
Support individual initiative and economic growth to help the poor
Emphasize foreign policy and a strong military
Less/Limited Government
Gain support from big businesses and upper income levels

21. MODERATE
A person who avoids the extremes of either party

22. POLITICAL PARTIES
The American political system is dominated by the Democrats and the Republicans; but third parties play an important role.

23. Two-Party System Differences
Similarities
Differences
Have both liberal and conservative views
Organize to win elections
Appeal to the political center
Influence public policies
Reflect citizens views
Want to associate with many people to get more votes
Party Platforms (positions on major issues)

24. Third parties
Often form to promote specific social, economic, or moral issue
Have difficulty winning elections
Independent= do not belong to one of 2 major parties

25. Third parties play an important role in American politics.

26. THIRD PARTIES Introduce new ideas Support a particular issue
Revolve around a person (Ross Perot; Ralph Nadar)
Rarely win elections
Change the outcome on an election

27. THIRD PARTIES Ralph Nader Green Party Ross Perot Reform Party
Teddy Roosevelt- Progressive party

28. ELECTORAL COLLEGE

29. # of electoral votes in each state
ELECTORAL COLLEGE
The President and the Vice President are elected by a majority vote in the Electoral College.
Each state has the same number of electors as it does Congress Members
# of Senators +
# of Representatives =
_________________
# of electoral votes in each state

31. ELECTORAL COLLEGE 538 Total Electoral Votes
270 Electoral votes needed to win the election

32. WHY ELECTORAL COLLEGE Why do we need electors?
What made the framers of the Constitution create this system for the election of the President and Vice-President?
WHY
Why do we need electors?

33. ELECTORAL COLLEGE
Representation Question for the framers: How to balance power between the large and small states?
Result: Electoral votes for each state are determined by population

34. ELECTORAL COLLEGE Fear
Issue for the framers: People are not educated enough to make a good decision.
Result: Electors who were educated about the process would make the official vote.

35. ELECTORAL COLLEGE Knowledge Issue for the framers:
Voters do not know about candidates from other states.
Result: Using electors would keep people from only voting for candidates from their state.

36. ELECTORAL COLLEGE
Electoral College
The President and the Vice President are elected by a majority vote in the electoral college.
Each state has the same number of electors as it does Congress Members
# of Senators +
# of Representatives =
____________________
# of electoral votes in each state

37. Process ELECTORAL COLLEGE
Each party picks electors who promise to vote for their party’s candidate.
Popular vote: first Tuesday after the first Monday in November

38. Electoral Vote: December
Winner take all system
The candidate with most votes in a state wins all of the electoral votes for that state.
Electoral Vote: December
Electors cast the official votes for President and Vice President.

39. Effect of the Electoral College on Campaigns
Process
Effect of the Electoral College on Campaigns
Candidates concentrate on states with more electoral votes (California, New York)
Small states can make the difference in close elections
Favors a 2-party system
It is possible to tie (269 electoral votes each)

40. A TIE!!! What if… no candidate receives 270 votes?
House of Representatives selects the President
Senate
selects the Vice President

41. The Role of the Media in Elections: Propaganda

42. Warm Up What are some ways the media influences elections?
What is propaganda?
Do you think celebrity endorsements affect voters?

43. MEDIA
T.V.
Radio
Newspapers
Internet

44. Role of the Media in Elections
The editorial section of the newspaper
a televised debate or T.V. program can provide candidates and experts a way to present opposing viewpoints on the issues.
Air Different Points of View

45. Role of the Media in Elections
Call Attention to Important Issues
By printing articles or airing stories about a particular issue, the media is able to create interest in a topic where none existed.

46. Role of the Media in Elections
Identify candidates & their platforms (stand/opinion on the issues)
Government officials and candidates use the media to communicate
with the public.

47. How can voters evaluate speeches, literature and advertisements for accuracy?
BY:
Separating fact from opinion
Detecting bias
Evaluating sources of information
Identifying propaganda

48. Propaganda Techniques

49. Propaganda Types Glittering Generalities Bandwagon Stacked Cards
Name Calling
“Just Plain Folks”

50. Glittering Generality
Sounds good, but is essentially meaningless
“A vote for Mallory Williams is a vote for North Carolina’s values.”

51. Bandwagon
convincing people that everyone else agrees with a certain candidate/idea, so that they will join in; appeals to many people’s desire to be on the winning side
“The latest poll shows that the majority of people support Mallory Williams for President.”

52. Everyone’s Doing It!

53. Stacked Cards
Presents only one side of the issue, can distort the facts. Uses facts to favor an opinion
“Mallory Williams is clearly the most qualified candidate.”

54. Barack Obama Facts
Obama worked as a community organizer immediately after graduation.
He also worked as a university professor, political activist, and lawyer before serving in the Illinois Senate from 1997 to 2004.
He was propelled to stardom by giving the 2004 democratic convention keynote speech.
Obama has sponsored bills ranging from lobbying and electoral fraud, climate change, weapons control, nuclear terrorism, and better veterans care.

55. John McCain Facts McCain has never voted for a tax increase.
McCain will continue the Bush tax cuts,
McCain will not cut and run in Iraq,
McCain sponsored legislation to keep the Fairness Doctrine from rearing its head again,
McCain supports school choice

56. Name Calling
An attempt to turn people against an opponent or idea by associating an unpleasant label or description
“Candidate Sawyer Smith is corrupt and caters to special interest groups.”

57. Name Calling

58. “Vote for Mallory Williams, who understands the problems of America.”
Plain Folks Appeal
Candidates describe themselves as regular people; average, hard working citizens to make people think that the candidate has same concerns
“Vote for Mallory Williams, who understands the problems of America.”

59. Plain Folks Appeal

60. An endorsement from a celebrity.
Testimonials
“Bill Clinton says, “Mallory Williams is a candidate you can trust. She has my vote!”
An endorsement from a celebrity.

61. Testimonials

62. Identify the Types of Propaganda

64. Public Policy
How individuals, interest groups and the media influence the actions of the government.

65. What influences people’s opinions??
Family & Friends
Media (Print and T.V.)
Importance

66. Political Action Committees
PACs
Political Action Committees
Established to raise money to support an issue or candidate

68. MEDIA The media influences public policy by:
Bringing attention to issues
Showing different views on issues
Holding candidates accountable
Allowing officials to communicate with citizens

69. Public Policy is influenced by:
Individuals
Interest Groups
Media
Vote
campaign
Keep informed
Express Opinions by:
-Writing letters to politicians
-Demonstrating
-Lobbying
Join interest groups
Identify and publicize issues
Offer different viewpoints
Lobby
Donate Money $$$
Draws attention to issues
Shows different views on issues
Holds candidates accountable
Allows officials to communicate with citizens

70. Political Action Committees
PACs are the political branch of a special interest group.
PACs raise voluntary donations of money from people who agree with their cause.
They give money to elections campaigns of people they support and to the political party that will work for their goals.

71. Review!

72. One purpose of political parties is to
A. cast electoral votes.
B. set the age for voting.
C. administer literacy tests.
D. recruit and nominate candidates for public office.

73. A candidate needs _________ to win the presidency
A. 270 Electoral votes
B. the majority of the popular vote
C. a majority vote in the House of Representatives
D. All of the above

74. The president is chosen by the House of Representatives if
A. different candidates win the popular vote and the electoral vote
B. no candidate wins the majority in the Electoral College
C. the candidate with the most votes is already a member of congress
D. there is widespread electoral fraud

75. A political candidate who accuses his or her opponent of "reckless spending" is using the
A. name-calling technique.
B. glittering generality technique.
C. plain-folks appeal.
D. card-stacking technique.

76. This type of election has the highest voter turn out: A. mayoral B
This type of election has the highest voter turn out: A. mayoral B. gubernatorial C. congressional D. presidential

77. Which of the following is NOT a strategy to use when evaluating campaign ads?
A. believe propaganda
B. evaluate sources of information
C. separate fact and opinion
D. detect bias

78. Which of the following is a voting requirement in Virginia?
A. 21 years of age
B. US citizen and a resident of VA
C. passage of DMV test
D. pass a literacy test

79. C. Political Action Committees D. candidates
An organization made up of people who share similar ideas about how the government should be run are:
A. Interest Groups
B. Political Parties
C. Political Action Committees
D. candidates

80. Which of the following is NOT a similarity of Republicans and Democrats?
A. Organize to win elections
B. party Platforms
C. Appeal to the political center
D. Influence public opinion

81. During an examination for naturalization, an applicant must
A. prove that he or she can read, write, and speak English acceptably.
B. show that he or she believes in the principles of the U.S. Constitution.
C. prove that he or she knows something about U.S. history and government.
D. all of the above

82. The U.S. federal system of government was established by
A. Magna Carta.
B. the Constitution.
C. the Articles of Confederation.
D. the English Bill of Rights

83. The statement "to secure the blessings of liberty" is
A. listed in the Mayflower Compact.
B. one of the six goals of government stated in the Preamble.
C. the opening statement of the Declaration of Independence.
D. found in the Articles of Confederation.

84. One of the basic ideals of American government is that
A. government should be based on the consent of the governed.
B. majority rule can be overruled by presidential veto.
C. the Constitution should be easily amended.
D. the executive branch should be the most powerful branch.

85. What would happen if a proposed amendment were not ratified by three fourths of the states?
A. It could be ratified by two thirds of the states.
B. The president could ratify the amendment.
C. Congress could ratify the amendment.
D. The amendment would not be added to the Constitution.

86. If the president vetoes a proposed law,
A. it can never become law.
B. Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds vote of both houses.
C. the proposed law is sent to state conventions for approval.
D. the Supreme Court has the power to pass the law anyway.

87. The most important function of political parties is to:
A. Help candidates win elections
B. Monitor the actions of officeholders
C. set party goals
D. Help citizens

88. Techniques used to influence opinion are called: A. Editorials B
Techniques used to influence opinion are called: A. Editorials B. Propaganda C. Commentaries D. Ads

89. The First Amendment guarantees
A. freedom of speech.
B. the right to bear arms.
C. freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures.
D. protection against self-incrimination.

90. All of the following are true of the Articles of Confederation EXCEPT
A. it created a weak central government.
B. the national government had no power to tax.
C. it gave no power to enforce laws.
D. the states had little power.

91. A. establish courts. B. borrow money. C. punish lawbreakers.
The federal government and the state governments share all of the following powers EXCEPT the power to
A. establish courts.
B. borrow money.
C. punish lawbreakers.
D. coin money.

92. Which of the following is NOT a power of the legislative branch?
A. interpreting the meaning of a law
B. passing laws
C. overriding presidential vetoes
D. approving appointments of federal court judges

93. Which of the following is not a function of political parties?
A. recruiting and nominating candidates
B. educating the public about campaign issues
C. monitoring the actions of office holders
D. nominating Supreme Court justices

94. How does the media influence policy makers?
A. by broadcasting the state of the union address
B. by criticizing the news coverage of other media sources
C. by organizing debates among leading entertainers.
D. by drawing attention to a particular issue and arousing public concern

95. Democrats:
A. want the government to provide public benefits to assist the poor.
B. want less government activity.
C. believe that public benefits should be provided by the private sector.
D. are typically backed by small farmers and the business community.

96. Third parties: A. are not found in American politics.
B. typically revolve around a political personality.
C. receive a lot of attention from the media.
D. All of the above

97. Political Parties: A. organize to win elections.
B. influence public opinion
C. appeal to the political center to win majority support.
D. All of the above

98. The majority of Americans are:
A. Moderate
B. Conservative
C. Liberal
D. Reactionary

99. Republicans tend to be A. Radical B. Conservative C. Liberal
D. Socialist

100. To be elected, a presidential candidate must
A. win both the popular vote and the electoral vote.
B. win the popular vote.
C. receive 270 electoral votes
D. win the popular vote in the state of Florida

101. Democrats tend to be: A. Conservative B. Radical C. Liberal
D. Right-Winged

102. The "glittering generalities" technique uses
A. beautiful pictures to sell an idea.
B. words that sound good but have little meaning.
C. the faces of famous people to sway public opinion.
D. soothing music and subliminal messages to persuade people.

103. Sports figures appearing on a box of cereal is an example of which propaganda technique? A. testimonial B. bandwagon C. plain-folks appeal D. glittering generalities

104. The main reason that so few people in the United States vote is that
A. it is not convenient for most people to get to the polls.
B. most people are not registered to vote.
C. most people lack interest
D. most people do not prefer one candidate over another.

105. A political candidate who describes herself as an "ordinary, hard-working citizen" is using A. name-calling. B. card stacking. C. the bandwagon approach. D. a plain-folks appeal.

106. Each state has a total number of electors
A. equal to its total number of congressmembers.
B. equal to each of the other states.
C. equal to the number of its state legislators.
D. based on its voter turnout in previous elections.

107. The Democratic and Republican Parties do all of the following EXCEPT
A. organize to win elections.
B. raise money to pay for campaign expenses.
C. establish state qualifications for voting.
D. Reflect both liberal and conservative views

108. . A presidential candidate of the Democratic Party wins 51 percent of the popular vote. Which of the following statements is correct? A. The candidate must next be confirmed by the Senate and the House of Representatives. B. The candidate will become president. C. The candidate will become president only with a majority of electoral college votes. D. A runoff election must be held to determine the new president.

109. You have just turned 18 years old
You have just turned 18 years old. The first thing you will have to do before you are allowed to vote is A. take a literacy test. B. register to vote. C. join a political party. D. prove that you have completed high school.

110. One purpose of political parties is to
A. cast electoral votes.
B. set the age for voting.
C. administer literacy tests.
D. recruit and nominate candidates for public office.