1. The Last Word: Assignment 2 due tomorrow Consider: Could American elections be organized or conducted any differently? If so, how? WQ "President Obama will travel to Las Vegas to speak at the same high school where he laid out his immigration plan two years ago. So Obama's become that guy who graduated a while ago and still comes back to hang with the seniors." –Jimmy Fallon "Today is Vice President Joe Biden's birthday! Biden started the day with a dance party and a big piece of cake, and then he remembered it was his birthday." –Seth Meyers "Analysts say Obama's new immigration plan will focus on deporting violent criminals. So, this could impact your fantasy football team." –Conan O'Brien "Germany has overtaken the United States as the world's favorite country. Germany is the most popular country in the world. That is one heck of a comeback." –Jimmy Kimmel "Pope Francis announced that next year he is coming to the United States, or as Fox News is reporting it, 'Obama lets in yet another guy from South America.'" –Conan O'Brien

2. AP Government and Politics Unit 3b

3. 12 12.1 1.2 Trace the roots of American elections, and distinguish among the four different types of elections Learning Objectives

4.  Why are they held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November?  Constitution did not establish date; states were free for a while to hold them whenever  Congress sets date in 1845  *Primary dates still determined by states

6. 12.1 Purposes of Elections  Popular election Provides unique legitimacy to government Proof of popular sovereignty, or consent of the governed Electorate, or citizens eligible to vote, judge those in power  Fill public offices Elections provide voters a choice in policy Winners claim a mandate, or command from the voters, to enact their policy platform

7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7tWHJfhi yo

8.  Types of Elections  Primary Elections ▪ Closed Primaries ▪ Open Primaries – crossover voting ▪ Runoff primary  General Election  Ballot Measures  Initiative – voters initiate  Referendum – legislatures refer  Recall election

9.  What are some of the positive aspects of allowing ballot initiatives and referendums?  What are some of the negatives?