1. Chapter 10 Electing Leaders
American Civics
4/21/2017
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
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:
Way for large groups with similar ideas to get things done
Take positions on public issues and work to pass laws
Allows individuals to have a stronger voice within a group
Parties must compromise and work together

4. The development of political parties in the United States:
Section 1: A Two-Party System
The development of political parties in the United States:
Federalists—believed in strengthening the central government
Antifederalists (Democratic-Republicans) tried to limit the power of the federal government.
1820s—Andrew Jackson led the Democratic Party; determined the government should represent the “common people”
1854—Republican Party formed by antislavery groups; nominated Abraham Lincoln for president in 1860

5. One-party and two-party political systems:
Section 1: A Two-Party System
One-party and two-party political 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. Political Parties

8. Political Parties in America

9. 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?

10. Party committees and their responsibilities:
Section 2: Political Party Organization
Party committees and their responsibilities:
National committee—sets dates, rules, and location of national convention; publishes and distributes literature; arranges speakers; aids presidential candidate
State central committees—supervise 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

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

12. Federal Election Campaign Act
Section 2: Political Party Organization
Federal Election Campaign Act
1972—Federal Election Campaign Act passed to lessen the possibility of corruption
FECA limits size of contributions and requires a report of donors.
Soft money remains difficult to monitor.
The Presidential Election Campaign Fund gives public funds to qualified candidates who can then no longer receive private donations.

13. 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

14. Political Parties and Congress

15. 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?

16. 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 to vote.
States cannot deny the right to vote based on race, color, or genderV .
The 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 prior to an election.

17. 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

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

19. 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
Punchcards, mark-sense, and direct recording electronic systems are other paper-ballot alternatives.

20. 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?

21. 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?

22. 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.
Additional delegates are determined by different formulas.
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.

23. 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
Favorite sons or daughters nominated to honor or delay decision
Balloting of the delegates ensues until candidate is chosen
Delegates nominate the vice president based on ability win votes
Presidential candidates have the strongest voice regarding the choice for vice president.

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

25. 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.

26. 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

27. Political Spectrum in America

28. 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?