1. Copyright © 2013 Text Lesley Hall/Artwork and Images added by Politics Teacher Ltd Choosing a running mate

2. Copyright © 2013 Text Lesley Hall/Artwork and Images added by Politics Teacher Ltd Choosing a running mate What is a running mate? How is a running mate chosen? What is meant by a balanced ticket? What examples can be used in written work?

3. Copyright © 2013 Text Lesley Hall/Artwork and Images added by Politics Teacher Ltd Choosing a running mate Fill in the gaps below Presidential nominees will choose a, running mate, who will run alongside them in the November election on a joint ticket.The Running mate of the election winner will become the Vice president. Traditionally, a running mate may be chosen to broaden the appeal of the ticket so that the presidential and vice presidential Nominee appeal to a wide range of voters. The purpose of this is to try and ensure electoral success. Sometimes a presidential nominee may try and balance out possible weaknesses. Therefore they try and create a balanced ticket. balanced ticket broaden the appeal running mate joint ticket ticket Vice president balance weaknesses

4. Copyright © 2013 Text Lesley Hall/Artwork and Images added by Politics Teacher Ltd What factors may be considered when choosing a running mate? Choosing a running mate Political Experience

5. Copyright © 2013 Text Lesley Hall/Artwork and Images added by Politics Teacher Ltd Research the examples below to decide if these were balanced tickets and what might have led to the vice presidential candidate being chosen You may find several factors for some and one of two for others. Remember to find out if they were successful in the election or not. (You may find several factors for some and one of two for others). Remember to find out if they were successful in the election or not Presidential candidate Vice presidential candidate Factor/s Explanation Elected? Ronald ReaganGeorge H W Bush Michael DukakisLloyd Bentsen George W BushDick Cheney John KerryJohn Edwards John McCainSarah Palin Barack ObamaJoe Biden

6. Copyright © 2013 Text Lesley Hall/Artwork and Images added by Politics Teacher Ltd Decide if these were balanced tickets and what might have led to the vice presidential candidate being chosen The factors below are for guidance and not an exhaustive list. (You may find several factors for some and one of two for others). Remember to find out if they were successful in the election or not Presidential candidate Vice presidential candidate Factor/s Explanation Elected? Ronald ReaganGeorge H W BushIdeology Age Washington experience Yes Michael DukakisLloyd Bentsen Insider/outsider Geography Age No George W BushDick CheneyInsider/outsiderYes John KerryJohn EdwardsInsider /outsider Geography No John McCainSarah PalinIdeology Age Gender Political experience No Barack ObamaJoe BidenPolitical experience Age Yes

7. Copyright © 2013 Text Lesley Hall/Artwork and Images added by Politics Teacher Ltd Sometimes a combination of factors can be found to explain a balanced ticket. Research the 1960 ticket of John F Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson

8. Copyright © 2013 Text Lesley Hall/Artwork and Images added by Politics Teacher Ltd The ticket of Clinton and Gore in 1992 seemed less balanced as both were southern white protestants of a similar age. Were there attempts to balance the ticket?