1. Party Organization and Primary Processes

2. County and Local Committees Precinct Organization
Party Organization
National Committee
State Committees
County and Local Committees
Precinct Organization
Party Members

3. Precinct
Voting Districts

4. Connecticut Precinct’s and Representatives
John Larson, CT-01 Joe Courtney, CT-02 Dem. Rep Dem. Rep Rosa DeLauro, CT-03 Jim Himes, CT-04 Dem. Rep Dem. Rep
Chris Murphy, CT-05
Dem. Rep

5. Why Might you support a party?
Family
Friends
Co-Workers
Teachers
Views on Issues

6. Changes in Party Strength
Patronage: decrease in party leaders doing favors for loyal supporters of the party
Parties in Campaigns: candidates today are less dependent on party help
Voter Loyalty: voters now tend to base their decision on the appeal of the candidate or the issues
Straight ticket- voting for the candidates of only one party
Split ticket- voting for candidates of more than one party

7. Methods of Selecting Candidates
Caucus – Closed meeting of party members in each state in which delegates select the party’s choice for presidential candidate
Primary Election – special election in which voters select candidates to be the party’s nominee for president in the general election.

8. Types of Primary Elections
Closed Primary – Voters may vote in a party's primary only if they are registered members of that party
Open Primary - A registered voter may vote in any party primary regardless of his or her own party affiliation.

9. Choosing Delegates
Delegates must promise to support a certain candidate at the national convention.
Candidates begin the race for president in Feb/March in New Hampshire (primary state) and Iowa (caucus state)
How well a candidate does in these early tests will affect his or her ability to raise money and attract voters in later primaries and caucuses.

10. From Nominating Conventions to the National Conventions
Convention: a meeting or formal assembly, as of representatives or delegates, for discussion of and action on particular matters of concern.

11. Characteristics of A Convention
Attended by representatives or delegates
Individuals meet at a pre-arranged place and time
Delegates may create/vote on important matters
Often held in large cities
Attendees share common interest or issue
Meeting or formal assembly