1. “Elections in the United States”

2. How does a candidate get from this point…

3. … to this point?

4.  …narrows the field of possible candidates for public office.  Why do political parties need to “narrow the field?”

5. Now, let’s look at the nominating process! (We will use the Presidency as an example)

6. Step 1 Self-Announcement Step 2 _______/______ Step 3 ________ ___________ Success! Party’s Nomination!

7.  Hillary Clinton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgGPMrLH Ry0  Ron Paul announces he is running in 2012... Ron Paul announces he is running in 2012...  And one more just for giggles... And one more just for giggles...  Self-announcement is the first step in the process!

8. Once the candidate has announced their intentions for the Presidency… Step 1 Self-Announcement Step 2 Primary/Caucus Step 3 ________ ___________ Success! Party’s Nomination!

9.  Primary elections are run by state and local governments…  Are definitely elections…  Cost South Carolina approx. $1.5 million!  Caucuses are private events run by the political parties themselves!  Are definitely NOT elections, more like meetings

10.  Primary elections are an essential part of this nomination process!  Primary Elections: an election in which party members or voters select candidates for the General Election.  “Indirect Election”…

11.  Two types of primaries…  Closed primaries…  Voters cannot vote for a candidate in the opposite party.  EX) If you are an identified Democrat, you can only vote for a Democratic candidate. (OHIO/“Semi-Closed”)  Open primaries…  Voters can vote for a candidate in any party.  Only one vote can be cast, of course. No party affiliation need be made or adhered to.

13. Each state has a portion of these delegates given to them to give to the Republican candidates… (It is a similar process for Democrats, as well)

15. As each state holds their primary or caucus, delegates are awarded to the competitors in relation to how they finish…

20. Once the candidate has announced their intentions for the Presidency… Step 1 Self-Announcement Step 2 Primary/Caucus Step 3 National Convention Success! Party’s Nomination!

21.  The National Convention is the final step in the nomination process…  Purpose of the convocation is to officially nominate a candidate in an upcoming U.S. presidential election!  Signifies the end of primary season and the start of campaigning for a general election.  In recent years, the nominee has been known well before the convention…  2000 - Republican National Convention 2000 - Republican National Convention

23. Sarah Palin, 2008 RNC - Vice Pres. Candidate (it’s a big party, basically)

24. 2004 RNC - Protest

26. 2008 DNC - John Legend