1. Electing Leaders NEXT

2. Section 1: A Two-Party System 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 one-party and two- party political systems? What impact have third parties had on the United States? NEXT The Main Idea

3. 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 Section 1: A Two-Party System 1 SECTION NEXT

4. 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 Section 1: A Two-Party System 1 SECTION NEXT

5. 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 Section 1: A Two-Party System 1 SECTION NEXT

6. What impact have third parties had on the United States? At times, third parties have greatly influenced national politics, even though their candidate did not win the election. Section 1: A Two-Party System 1 SECTION NEXT

8. Question: What are the differences between one- and two-party systems? Section 1: A Two-Party System 1 SECTION NEXT

9. Question: What are the differences between one- and two-party systems? One-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 Section 1: A Two-Party System 1 SECTION NEXT

10. Question: What are the differences between one- and two-party systems? Section 1: A Two-Party System 1 SECTION NEXT Two-Party System 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

11. Section 2: Political Party Organization 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? NEXT The Main Idea

12. 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 Section 2: Political Party Organization 2 SECTION NEXT

14. Money and Regulations 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. Section 2: Political Party Organization 2 SECTION NEXT

15. 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. Section 2: Political Party Organization 2 SECTION NEXT

16. Question: What are the responsibilities of each of the committees, and how do they help their major political party? Section 2: Political Party Organization 2 SECTION NEXT

17. 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 Section 2: Political Party Organization 2 SECTION NEXT

18. Question: What are the responsibilities of each of the committees, and how do they help their major political party? 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 Section 2: Political Party Organization 2 SECTION NEXT

19. Section 3: The Right to Vote 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? NEXT The Main Idea

20. 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 sex. 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. Section 3: The Right to Vote 3 SECTION NEXT

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

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

23. 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. Section 3: The Right to Vote 3 SECTION NEXT

24. Question: What are the various voting methods currently used across the country? Section 3: The Right to Vote 3 SECTION NEXT

25. Question: What are the various voting methods currently used across the country? Voting Methods Paper ballot Mechanical lever machines Marksense (optical scan) DRE system Section 3: The Right to Vote 3 SECTION NEXT

26. Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders 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? NEXT The Main Idea

27. 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. Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders 4 SECTION NEXT

28. 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 to win votes Presidential candidates have the strongest voice regarding the choice for vice president. Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders 4 SECTION NEXT

29. 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. Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders 4 SECTION NEXT

31. 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. Section 4: Nominating and Electing Our Leaders 4 SECTION NEXT

32. Question: What events occur between the time a person announces candidacy and inauguration? Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders 4 SECTION NEXT

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

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