The Presidential Election

Our most recent election November 2012 President Obama reelected for a second term over Governor Mitt Romney President Obama: 332 electoral votes 50.6% of the popular vote Mitt Romney: 206 electoral votes 47.9% of the popular vote

Who Supported who? Obama: heavy support from –Blacks, Hispanics, and younger voters 55% of women voted for President Obama Romney: 52% of men voted for the Governor

22nd Amendment This amendment prohibits a president from having more than two terms in office Prior to this amendment a few presidents tried to run for more than two terms George Washington’s decision not to run for a third term is viewed as protecting the government from a monarchy While FDR was campaigning for his fourth term the governor of New York proposed an amendment that limits the Presidency to two terms FDR is the only President to have served more than two terms

How are presidents chosen? Presidents and Vice Presidents are picked from the candidates presented by the Democrat and Republican Parties Smaller parties exist that offer up candidates, but they usually lack support. These are called third parties The Constitution does not mention political parties, but they have been around since the founding of the United States

During Presidential Election Years The two parties will plan a separate political convention Delegates from every state will be in attendance This takes place the summer before an election There are speeches and votes. A candidate for President and Vice President are chosen

Presidential Campaigns A large sum of money is spent on campaigning for the Presidency Estimates top 1.5 billion for the 2012 election There is a belief that reforms should be made to reduce this abundant spending During an election candidates will have numerous television ads, news stories, and be using social media to gain support http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq3GGwg V7R0