VOTING AND ELECTIONS (P ART 2)

P OLITICAL P ARTIES Two major parties today Democrats vs. Republicans Nothing is mentioned about political parties in the Constitution Democrats and Republicans have the same fundamental belief in our Constitution Democrats and Republicans differ mainly on how large or small the role of government should be

P OLITICAL P ARTIES - D EMOCRATS - Large Government - EQUALITY

P OLITICAL P ARTIES - R EPUBLICANS - Small Government - COMPETITION

P OLITICAL P ARTIES – T HIRD P ARTIES

higher stronger conservation public Favors wider more equality support more weaker private Opposes narrower less growth restrict less jobs businesses lower usage

P OLITICAL S PECTRUM ???

T HIRD P ARTIES Third parties often face difficulties May be more difficult to get on the ballot in certain states Some people may feel as if voting for a third party would “waste” their vote Third parties can have difficulty raising money Third party influence Third parties often rally around one or two specific ideas Can raise awareness on an issue being ignored by the major parties Can swing an election by “stealing” votes from a major candidate

C HANGES IN P ARTY S TRENGTH Three elements help continue the influence of political parties Patronage System in which party leaders perform favors for loyal supporters of the party Ex: Dan Rooney Campaigning Voter loyalty Straight ticket – When a voter votes for all of the candidates from a specific party Split ticket – voting for candidates from more than one party on the same ballot ex: Republican for Governor, Democrat for Senator

P RIMARY E LECTIONS Nomination Self-Nomination is possible for many local offices Often requires a filing fee to get on the ballot Can bypass this by starting a write-in campaign Many larger offices require a nominating petition to get your name on the ballot Primary Election vs. Caucus Primary Election – people cast ballots for their preferred candidate Caucus – party members meet to discuss and choose candidates

P RIMARY E LECTIONS Closed Primary Voters must be registered with a party and may only vote in races between members of their party Example: Registered republicans may NOT vote in Democratic Primaries Why? – Sabotage! Open Primary Voters don’t have to be registered with a party, and CAN vote in any party’s primary Ex: Registered independent CAN vote in republican primary, registered republican CAN vote in democratic primary Voters can only vote in ONE primary race Ex: Voter CANNOT vote in BOTH republican and democratic primary Fred Tuttle – Vermont o Candidates attempt to secure delegates from each state Similar to electors in Presidential elections o Delegates cast their votes at the Party’s National Convention