1. The Electoral Process
SSCG8 The student will demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national elections.
b. Describe the nomination and election process.
c. Examine campaign funding and spending.
EQ: What is the basic purpose of a presidential primary election?

2. The Electoral Process
In the U. S., the election process occurs in two steps:
Nomination—where the choice of candidates are narrowed down to 1 per party
General election—where voters make the final choice of officeholder

4. Nominating: Self-Announcement: “throwing your hat in the ring”
Term coined by Teddy Roosevelt in 1912

5. Primary Elections and Caucuses
Helps candidates to become known by the public
elections are held by political parties
the party picks the candidate for the general election
A caucus is a meeting of members of a particular political party
mostly used at local and state levels
ex. Iowa caucus
Primaries can be open or closed
Open primaries: any qualified voter can cast a ballot
Closed primaries: only declared party members can cast ballots.

6. Nominating Convention
Official meeting of party delegates to select the party’s presidential candidate
Held in the summer before the general election
The convention develops the party’s platform

7. Campaigning Purpose is to get the candidate’s message out to the voter
an effort to influence potential voters
use of propaganda to sway voters

8. Campaign Funding 2 types of campaign funds
Hard money: donations must be reported to FEC and have $ limits.
Soft money: donations given to local/state organizations for “party-building activities
Ex. Ads, voter registration.
Money plays key role in politics
3 basic sources:
Most of $ from Private sources;
Ex. Individuals, families, personal funds.
PACs
Public subsidies
Ex. Federal matching fund program

9. Qualifications for President
Formal Qualifications:
Must be 35 Years Old
Must be a natural born citizen
Must be a resident of the US for at least 14 years
Informal Qualifications:
Must be well educated, have past political experiences
Christian (Protestant)
Male
White