1. Chapter 10 Electing Leaders
American Civics
2/28/2019
Chapter 10 Electing Leaders
Section 1: A Two-Party System
Section 2: Political Party Organization
Section 3: The Right to Vote
Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders
Chapter 10

2. Section 1: A Two-Party System
Section 1: A Two-Party System
The Main Idea
Political parties play an important role in the American democratic process. Party supporters put their political ideas to work at all levels of government.
Reading Focus
What is the role of political parties in the United States?
What are the differences between two-party and one-party political systems?
What impact have third parties had on the United States?

3. Political parties in the United States:
Section 1: A Two-Party System
Political parties in the United States:
Large groups with similar ideas and goals unite
Works to pass laws to benefit their public issues
Individuals to have a stronger voice within a group
Parties must compromise and work together

4. The development of political parties:
Section 1: A Two-Party System
The development of political parties:
1st two political parties:
Federalists—strengthen central government power
Antifederalists (Democratic-Republicans)-limit central government power.
Current Political Parties:
Democrats: formed in 1820s by Andrew Jackson to represent the “common people”
Republicans: formed in 1854 by antislavery groups; nominated Abraham Lincoln for president in 1860

5. One-party and two-party systems:
Section 1: A Two-Party System
One-party and two-party systems:
One-party systems—dictatorships or totalitarian governments; one group or person has power; people do not have essential freedoms
Two-party systems—create stable governments; allow for majority rule; voters have a choice

6. SECTION 1
Question: What are the differences between one- and two-party systems?
One-Party System
Two-Party System
Usually a totalitarian government
Usually an unlimited government
A government unrestrained by the people
Opposition parties illegal
 Usually restrictive of civil and political rights
Usually forms a stable government
Usually a limited government
Composed of a diverse group of people who share similar political beliefs
Elections are based on a “winner take all” format
 Usually civil and political rights are protected

7. Section 2: Political Party Organization
Section 2: Political Party Organization
The Main Idea
Political parties have workers and committees at the local, state, and national levels. The party nominates candidates for office and campaigns to get those candidates elected.
Reading Focus
How are political parties organized?
How do political parties operate at the local level?
What are the two main sources of money for financing political campaigns?

8. Party committees and their responsibilities:
Section 2: Political Party Organization
Party committees and their responsibilities:
National committee—organizes the national convention; publishes and distributes literature; arranges speakers; aids presidential candidate
State central committees—supervises operations within the states; maintain harmony and organization; raise money and aid candidates
Local committees—conduct campaigns; recommend appointments and candidates; raise money; crucial to party success; precinct captains encourage voters to cast ballots for the party’s candidates

9. Money and Regulations Section 2: Political Party Organization
Private contributions make up a large % of funds.
Business groups and labor unions also contribute.
Large fund-raising events are held by each party.
Fear of corruption made Congress start to regulate the size of donations.

10. Section 2: Political Party Organization
Federal Election Campaign Act- passed in 1972 to lessen the possibility of corruption; limits size of contributions and requires a report of donors.
Soft money- (money that doesn’t go to a particular candidate) difficult to monitor.
Presidential Election Campaign Fund-gives public funds to qualified candidates who can then no longer receive private donations.

11. State Central Committees
SECTION 2
Question:
What are the responsibilities of each of the committees, and how do they help their major political party?
National Committee
 Selects the site and date for the national nominating convention
 Sets rules for convention
 Helps presidential candidate with election
State Central Committees
 Supervises party’s operations within each state
 Maintains party harmony
 Helps raise money for political campaigns
Local Committees
 Conducts campaigns at the local level
 Raises money for the party and party candidates
 Makes recommendations for political appointments
 Precinct captains are responsible for getting voters out to vote

12. Section 3: The Right to Vote
Section 3: The Right to Vote
The Main Idea
The right to vote is one of the most important rights held by U.S. citizens. It is the means through which citizens can most directly affect the actions of government.
Reading Focus
How do you become a voter in the United States?
What is the difference between primary elections and general elections?
How has the voting process changed over the years?

13. Voting Rights in U.S. Elections:
Section 3: The Right to Vote
Voting Rights in U.S. Elections:
All U.S. citizens over the age of 18 are eligible
Cannot deny the right to vote based on race, color, or sex.
Voting Rights Act protects voters’ rights.
Disqualified voters include: prison inmates, mentally incompetent persons, election-law violators, and persons with no established residence.
Voters must register at least 30 days before an election.

14. Primary Elections: Section 3: The Right to Vote
Allows registered voters to choose the party candidates
Closed primary: only party members can vote for each party’s candidate
Open primary: voters can vote for either party’s candidates

15. General Elections: Section 3: The Right to Vote
Registered voters choose the elected official.
Organizations, newspapers, radio, television, and magazines help inform voters.

16. Changes in the voting process:
Section 3: The Right to Vote
Changes in the voting process:
Early 1800s—voting was by voice
1888—secret ballots adopted to ensure fairness and honesty
1960s—Mechanical lever machines were most common
TODAY: Punchcards, mark-sense, and direct recording electronic systems are other paper-ballot alternatives.

17. Mechanical lever machines Marksense (optical scan)
SECTION 3
Question: What are the various voting methods currently used across the country?
Paper ballot
Mechanical lever machines
Voting Methods
Marksense (optical scan)
DRE system
Suggestions?

18. Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders
Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders
The Main Idea
Every four years the United States elects a president. Citizens need to follow the presidential election campaign, stay informed about the candidates and the issues, and vote.
Reading Focus
What is the main purpose of the electoral college?
What is the nomination process at the national party conventions?

19. National nominating conventions and choosing delegates:
Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders
National nominating conventions and choosing delegates:
Delegates are elected in primaries or selected by party leaders.
Parties agree on a platform and select a candidate at national conventions.
Conventions are huge, televised events intended to spread the party’s message to voters.

20. The nomination process at the national conventions:
Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders
The nomination process at the national conventions:
State-by-state roll call and nominating speeches for candidates
Balloting of the delegates ensues until candidate is chosen
Delegates nominate the VP based on ability win votes
Presidential candidates have the strongest voice regarding the choice for VP.

21. Methods of presidential campaigning:
Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders
Methods of presidential campaigning:
TV and other media advertise candidates’ views.
Presidential debates (televised since 1960s)
Computers offer online campaigning
Personal-appearance tours
Telephone campaigning urges citizens to vote
Canvassing (door to door) by local committees

22. The main purpose of the electoral college:
Section 4: Nominating and Electing Our Leaders
The main purpose of the electoral college:
Electors cast the official votes for presidency based on the popular vote in each state.
The framers of the Constitution worried citizens would not be able to choose wise leaders.
The relevancy of the electoral college today is in debate.

23. SECTION 4
Question: What events occur between the time a person announces candidacy and inauguration?
Presidential Election Day
Votes counted before a Joint Session of Congress
National Nominating Conventions
Announces candidacy
Electors Vote
Presidential Primaries
Campaigning
Inauguration

24. Chapter 10 Wrap-Up
1. What purposes do political parties serve, and what are the advantages of a two-party system?
2. What are coalition governments, and why are they often unstable?
3. How do political parties raise money, and how does Congress regulate fund-raising?
4. How do presidential candidates use public funds for their campaigns?
5. What protections do voters receive from the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act of 1965?
6. How do the major political parties select their presidential candidates?
7. Why do some people want to replace the electoral college?