3. A right and a responsibility of citizenship.

4.  18 years old  U.S. Citizen  State Resident  Mentally Competent  Not a convicted felon

5. Must register 29 days before the election at:  DMV  Registrar’s Office  Mail in Application

6.  Increased turn-out in Presidential Elections  Participation more likely: Education Age Income

7.  Lack Interest  Forget to register  Not informed on issues  Participation less likely: Income Age Education

8. Qualified citizens have a responsibility of stay informed about campaign issues and exercise their right to vote.

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

10. Recruit and Nominate Candidates for Public Offices  Primaries- Elect Candidates  Conventions - Name Candidates

13. Help Candidates Win Elections  Raise money for campaigns  Campaign for candidates  Most important function since Candidate will support party goals if elected

14. Set Party Goals  Platform- Statement of party’s positions of major issues

15. Leadership  Work to pass laws that support the party’s goals

16. Watchdog  Monitor the actions of officeholders to insure that they are honest and hardworking

17. Help Citizens  Educate citizens about issues  Offer opportunities for citizens to be involved in the political process.

18. Left Right Left Center Right Democrats Moderates Republicans

20.  “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

22.  “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

24. A person who avoids the extremes of either party

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

26.  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

27. Differences Party Platforms (positions on major issues)

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

29.  Introduce new ideas  Support a particular issue  Revolve around a person (Ross Perot; Ralph Nadar)  Rarely win elections  Change the outcome on an election

30. Ross Perot Reform Party Teddy Roosevelt- Progressive party Ralph Nader Green Party

32. The President and the Vice President are elected by a majority vote in the Electoral College.

33.  Each state has the same number of electors as it does Congress Members # of Senators + # of Representatives = __________________ # of electoral votes in each state

35.  538 Total Electoral Votes  270 Electoral votes needed to win the election

36. 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?

37. 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

38. 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.

39. 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.

40. 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

41. Process Each party picks electors who promise to vote for their party’s candidate. Popular vote: first Tuesday after the first Monday in November

42. 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.

43. 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)

44. What if… no candidate receives 270 votes? A TIE!!! House of Representatives selects the President Senate selects the Vice President

46.  T.V.  Radio  Newspapers  Internet

47.  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

48. 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.

49.  Government officials and candidates use the media to communicate with the public. Identify candidates & their platforms (stand/opinion on the issues)

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

52. 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.

53. “The latest poll shows that the majority of people support Eva Henry for President.” Everyone’s Doing It!

56. “Eva Henry is clearly the most qualified candidate.” Use facts to favor an opinion

57.  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.

58.  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

59. “A vote for Eva Henry is a vote for Virginia’s values.” Uses words that sound good but have little or no meaning

61. “ Candidate Eva Henry is corrupt and caters to interest groups. In Fact Henry isn’t even her legal name! ” Use of an unpleasant label or description to harm an opposing candidate.

63. “Vote for Eva Henry, she understands the problems of Virginia.” Candidates describe themselves as regular people; average, hard working citizens.

65. “ Bill Clinton says, “Eva Henry is a candidate you can trust. She has my vote!” An endorsement from a celebrity.

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

69. 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.

72. How individuals, interest groups and the media influence the actions of the government.

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

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

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

76.  Voting  Being informed  Participating in politics  Expressing opinions:  * Letters to politicians  * Demonstrating  Campaigning  Lobbying  Joining interest groups

77.  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 $

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

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

84. MEDIA The media influences public policy by : Bringing attention to issues o Showing different views on issues o Holding candidates accountable o Allowing officials to communicate with citizens

85. 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

86. Political Action Committees o PACs are the political branch of a special interest group. o PACs raise voluntary donations of money from people who agree with their cause. o They give money to elections campaigns of people they support and to the political party that will work for their goals.

88. 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.

89. 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

90. 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

91. 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.

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

93. 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

94. 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

95. 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

96. 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

97. 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

98. 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

99. 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.

100. 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.

101. 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.

102. 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.

103. 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

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

105. 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.

106. 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.

107. 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.

108. 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

109. 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

110. 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

111. 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.

112. 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

113. 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

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

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

116. 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

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

118. 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.

119. 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

120. 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.

121. 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.

122. 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.

123. 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

124. A presidential candidate of the Democratic Party wins 51 percent of the popular vote. Which of the following statements is correct?. 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.

125. 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.

126. 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.