1. Starter Why was Marbury v Madison such an important court case?
Where is the Democratic Party’s platform created? Who creates it?
Why are third parties important?

2. Elections and voting
4.02

3. Elections Elections are handled on the state level of gov’t.
It is a reserved power
Local, state, and federal officials are voted into office by means of a general election
Held in November on even numbered years
Before this can take place, a primary election must take place
Voters chose between candidates in the same party
Run-off election: used if the vote is too close
Some states use a caucus instead of a primary election
They choose delegates for the national convention

4. Elections Some elections are :
Partisan: voters know the political party of the candidates
Non-partisan: voters don’t know the party
Recall election- used to determine if voters want to remove a gov’t official
Used in California in 2003 for the governor
Initiative- citizens force a vote on an issue
Proposition- citizens vote on whether or not they support a policy or law: gay marriage
A lot like a referendum

5. The Electoral College
The founding fathers did not believe regular citizens were smart enough to elect a president
They created the Electoral College
A state has one vote for every member of Congress it has (House and Senate)
If a candidate wins a state, he receives all their electoral votes
270 votes are needed to win as President
You can win more actual votes, but still lose the election.
Candidates try to win the biggest states
If no candidate gets 270, the House of Reps decides the winner

6. Electoral College map

7. How many Electoral votes does each state have?
NC- 13 members of the House of Reps, 2 senators
California- 33 in House of Reps, 2 senators
North Dakota- 1 in House of Reps, 2 senators
New York- 29 in House of Reps, 2 senators

8. Campaigns A candidate must have a good campaign to win
Often backed by political action committee (PACS)
PACS: help candidates by campaigning and raising money. (private and public money)
canvassing: going door to door to raise support for a candidate
Political endorsements: support from important leaders or organizations

9. Propaganda Propaganda- information meant to influence voters
Stacking cards: putting together info to help a candidate
Just plain folk: “ I am just like you”
Name calling: “He is stupid, don’t vote for him”
Glittering generalities: speaking in vague terms- “I believe in change”

10. The Voting Process People vote at a polling place
Voting district: determines who you can vote for
Precinct: the area you are assigned to vote in
Voter registration: ensures only qualified people vote- must be 18: Which amendment?
You vote using a ballot
Straight ticket voting- voting for one political party
Split ticket voting- voting for different parties

11. Voting
Local board of elections control the voting process in a county.
Exit polls- people ask who you voted for to try and pick the winner before it is over

12. Qualifications for voting in NC
To register to vote in this State, a person must sign a voter declaration attesting that:
 I am a U.S. citizen.
 I have been a resident of North Carolina and this county for 30 days before the election.
 I will be at least 18 years old by the next general election.
 I am not registered, nor will I vote in any other county or state.
 If I have been convicted of a felony, my rights of citizenship have been restored.

13. Sample Ballot