1. CE 5a-g People and Politics
Mr. Byvik

2. A right and a responsibility of citizenship.
VOTING
A right and a responsibility of citizenship.

3. VOTING: QUALIFICATIONS
18 years old
U.S. Citizen
State Resident
Mentally Competent
Not a convicted felon

4. VOTING: REGISTRATION Must register 29 days before the election at: DMV
Registrar’s Office
Mail in Application

5. VOTING: PARTICIPATION
Increased turn-out in Presidential Elections
Participation more likely:
Education
Age
Income

6. VOTING: NON VOTERS Lack Interest Forget to register
Not informed on issues
Participation less likely:
Income
Age
Education

7. VOTING: MAIN IDEA
Qualified citizens have a responsibility of stay informed about campaign issues and exercise their right to vote.

8. POLITICAL PARTIES
Organizations made up of people who share similar ideas about the way the country should be governed

9. FUNTIONS AND PURPOSES OF POLICAL PARTIES
Recruit and Nominate Candidates for Public Offices
Primaries- Elect Candidates
Conventions- Name Candidates

10. FUNTIONS AND PURPOSES OF POLICAL PARTIES
Help Candidates Win Elections
Raise money for campaigns
Campaign for candidates
Most important function since Candidate will support party goals if elected

11. FUNTIONS AND PURPOSES OF POLICAL PARTIES
Set Party Goals
Platform- Statement of party’s positions of major issues

12. FUNTIONS AND PURPOSES OF POLICAL PARTIES
Leadership
Work to pass laws that support the party’s goals

13. FUNTIONS AND PURPOSES OF POLICAL PARTIES
Watchdog
Monitor the actions of officeholders to insure that they are honest and hardworking

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

15. THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM
Left Center Right
Democrats Moderates Republicans

16. 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

18. 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

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

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

22. BETWEEN REPUBLICANS & DEMOCRATS
Two-Party System
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
Similarities
BETWEEN REPUBLICANS & DEMOCRATS

23. Two-Party System Party Platforms (positions on major issues)
Differences
BETWEEN REPUBLICANS & DEMOCRATS

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

25. 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

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

27. ELECTORAL COLLEGE

28. ELECTORAL COLLEGE
The President and the Vice President are elected by a majority vote in the Electoral College.

29. # of electoral votes in each state
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. How to balance power between the large and small states?
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
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)
Process

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. MEDIA
T.V.
Radio
Newspapers
Internet

43. 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

44. 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.

45. 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.

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

47. Propaganda Techniques

48. Propaganda
A technique to sway people’s attitudes, opinions and behaviors
Mass media and technology enable the spread of propaganda
Political candidates use propaganda to convince voters to support them.

49. Bandwagon Everyone’s Doing It!
“The latest poll shows that the majority of people support Mr B for President.”
Everyone’s Doing It!

52. Use facts to favor an opinion
Card Stacking
“Mr B. is clearly the most qualified candidate.”
Use facts to favor an opinion

53. 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.

54. 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

55. Glittering Generalities
“A vote for Mr. B is a vote for Virginia’s values.”
Uses words that sound good but have little or no meaning

56. Glittering Generalities

57. Name Calling
“Candidate Bringenberg is corrupt and caters to special interest groups.”
Use of an unpleasant label or description to harm an opposing candidate.

58. Name Calling

59. “Vote for Mr B, who understands the problems of Virginia.”
Plain Folks Appeal
“Vote for Mr B, who understands the problems of Virginia.”
Candidates describe themselves as regular people; average, hard working citizens.

60. Plain Folks Appeal

61. An endorsement from a celebrity.
Testimonials
“Bill Clinton says, “Liam B is a candidate you can trust. He has my vote!”
An endorsement from a celebrity.

62. Testimonials

63. Financing a Campaign Running for office is expensive!

64. Gives an advantage to rich people$
Rising Campaign Costs
Lots of fund raising by candidates and parties
Gives an advantage to rich people
Limits opportunities to run for office.

65. Limits opportunities to run for office.
Interest Groups have more power
Encourage PACs
Campaign Finance Reform
Rising campaign costs have led to efforts to reform campaign finance laws. Limits exist on the amount individuals may contribute to political candidates and campaigns.

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

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

70. Why might a group have more influence than an individual?
Louder Voice
More $
Represent more people

71. The actions of the government as they deal with the issues of the day.
Public Policy
The actions of the government as they deal with the issues of the day.

72. Ways that individuals influence public policy.
Voting
Being informed
Participating in politics
Expressing opinions:
* Letters to politicians
* Demonstrating
Campaigning
Lobbying
Joining interest groups

73. Ways that groups influence public policy.
Interest Groups: organizations that seek to influence government policy
Identify and publicize issues
Offer different viewpoints
Lobby- seeking to influence legislators to introduce legislation or to vote for or against a bill.
Donate $

74. Interest Groups Interest groups: -Vary in size, goals and budget
-Attempt to influence both the government and public opinion
-Hire lobbyists to represent their interests
An interest group is a structured organization of people with shared attitudes who attempt to influence public policy.

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

80. 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

81. 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

82. 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.

83. Review!

84. 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.

85. 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

86. 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

87. 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.

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

89. 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

90. 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

91. 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

92. 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

93. 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

94. 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

95. 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.

96. 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.

97. 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.

98. 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.

99. 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

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

101. 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.

102. 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.

103. 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.

104. 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

105. 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

106. 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

107. 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.

108. 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

109. 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

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

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

112. 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

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

114. 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.

115. 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

116. 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.

117. 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.

118. 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.

119. 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

120. . 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.

121. 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.

122. 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.