2. Political Parties Groups of people that share similar beliefs who work to get candidates elected to office. Each party has a platform, or a list of things they will do if elected

3. Caucus A meeting where people get together and discuss who they want to become president.

4. Primaries Each party holds primary elections to narrow the number of candidates representing their party.

5. Convention Each political party holds a national convention where speeches are given outlining the party platform Delegates from each state vote for the person who won the most primary votes in their state. The political party then nominates 1 candidate to represent them in the general election. The nominee announces their running mate for vice president.

6. General Election In November, every 4 years, the general election for president takes place. Registered voters are able to vote for the president. The majority of those votes are then cast in the electoral college.

7. The Electoral College There 538 votes. Each state is weighted according to how many representatives in Congress they have… which is based on population. Thus.. California gets 55 votes and Georgia only gets 15. A candidate needs 270 votes to win the presidency.

8. Election 2008

9. Inauguration Ceremony held at 12 noon on January 20 th every four years where the president takes the oath of office.

10. Inauguration

12. Inaugural Balls