Chapter 10 Electing Leaders American Civics 4/21/2017 Chapter 10 Electing Leaders Section 1: A Two-Party System Section 2: Political Party Organization Section 3: The Right to Vote Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders Chapter 10

Section 1: A Two-Party System The Main Idea Political parties play an important role in the American democratic process. Party supporters put their political ideas to work at all levels of government. Reading Focus What is the role of political parties in the United States? What are the differences between two-party and one-party political systems? What impact have third parties had on the United States?

Political Parties & Congress [01:35]

Political parties in the United States: Section 1: A Two-Party System Political parties in the United States: Way for large groups with similar ideas to get things done Take positions on public issues and work to pass laws Allows individuals to have a stronger voice within a group Parties must compromise and work together

The Formation of the Two-Party System [01:11]

The development of political parties in the United States: Section 1: A Two-Party System The development of political parties in the United States: Federalists—believed in strengthening the central government Antifederalists (Democratic-Republicans) tried to limit the power of the federal government. 1820s—Andrew Jackson led the Democratic Party; determined the government should represent the “common people” 1854—Republican Party formed by antislavery groups; nominated Abraham Lincoln for president in 1860

One-party and two-party political systems: Section 1: A Two-Party System One-party and two-party political systems: One-party systems—dictatorships or totalitarian governments; one group or person has power; people do not have essential freedoms Two-party systems—create stable governments; allow for majority rule; voters have a choice

SECTION 1 Question: What are the differences between one- and two-party systems? One-Party System Two-Party System Usually a totalitarian government Usually an unlimited government A government unrestrained by the people Opposition parties illegal  Usually restrictive of civil and political rights Usually forms a stable government Usually a limited government Composed of a diverse group of people who share similar political beliefs Elections are based on a “winner take all” format  Usually civil and political rights are protected

Third Parties & the U.S. Political System [04:16]

Section 2: Political Party Organization The Main Idea Political parties have workers and committees at the local, state, and national levels. The party nominates candidates for office and campaigns to get those candidates elected. Reading Focus How are political parties organized? How do political parties operate at the local level? What are the two main sources of money for financing political campaigns?

Review of the Election Process [00:53]

Party committees and their responsibilities: Section 2: Political Party Organization Party committees and their responsibilities: National committee—sets dates, rules, and location of national convention; publishes and distributes literature; arranges speakers; aids presidential candidate State central committees—supervise operations within the states; maintain harmony and organization; raise money and aid candidates Local committees—conduct campaigns; recommend appointments and candidates; raise money; crucial to party success; precinct captains encourage voters to cast ballots for the party’s candidates

Money and Regulations Section 2: Political Party Organization Private contributions make up a large percentage of funds. Business groups, labor unions and other groups also contribute. Large fund-raising events are held by each party. Fear of corruption prompted Congress to regulate the size of donations.

Federal Election Campaign Act Section 2: Political Party Organization Federal Election Campaign Act 1972—Federal Election Campaign Act passed to lessen the possibility of corruption FECA limits size of contributions and requires a report of donors. Soft money remains difficult to monitor. The Presidential Election Campaign Fund gives public funds to qualified candidates who can then no longer receive private donations.

State Central Committees SECTION 2 Question: What are the responsibilities of each of the committees, and how do they help their major political party? National Committee  Selects the site and date for the national nominating convention  Sets rules for convention  Helps presidential candidate with election State Central Committees  Supervises party’s operations within each state  Maintains party harmony  Helps raise money for political campaigns Local Committees  Conducts campaigns at the local level  Raises money for the party and party candidates  Makes recommendations for political appointments  Precinct captains are responsible for getting voters out to vote

Primary Elections [00:33]

Section 3: The Right to Vote The Main Idea The right to vote is one of the most important rights held by U.S. citizens. It is the means through which citizens can most directly affect the actions of government. Reading Focus How do you become a voter in the United States? What is the difference between primary elections and general elections? How has the voting process changed over the years?

Voting Rights in U.S. Elections Section 3: The Right to Vote Voting Rights in U.S. Elections All U.S. citizens over the age of 18 are eligible to vote. States cannot deny the right to vote based on race, color, or sex. The Voting Rights Act protects voters’ rights. Disqualified voters include prison inmates, mentally incompetent persons, election-law violators, and persons with no established residence. Voters must register prior to an election.

Primary Elections Section 3: The Right to Vote Allows registered voters to choose the party candidates Closed primary: only party members can vote for each party’s candidate Open primary: voters can vote for either party’s candidates

General Elections Section 3: The Right to Vote Registered voters choose the leaders. Organizations, newspapers, radio, television, and magazines help inform voters.

Changes in the voting process: Section 3: The Right to Vote Changes in the voting process: Early 1800s—voting was by voice 1888—secret ballots adopted to ensure fairness and honesty 1960s—Mechanical lever machines were most common Punchcards, mark-sense, and direct recording electronic systems are other paper-ballot alternatives.

Mechanical lever machines Marksense (optical scan) SECTION 3 Question: What are the various voting methods currently used across the country? Paper ballot Mechanical lever machines Voting Methods Marksense (optical scan) DRE system Suggestions?

Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders The Main Idea Every four years the United States elects a president. Citizens need to follow the presidential election campaign, stay informed about the candidates and the issues, and vote. Reading Focus What is the main purpose of the electoral college? What is the nomination process at the national party conventions?

National nominating conventions and choosing delegates: Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders National nominating conventions and choosing delegates: Delegates are elected in primaries or selected by party leaders. Additional delegates are determined by different formulas. Parties agree on a platform and select a candidate at national conventions. Conventions are huge, televised events intended to spread the party’s message to voters.

The nomination process at the national conventions: Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders The nomination process at the national conventions: State-by-state roll call and nominating speeches for candidates Favorite sons or daughters nominated to honor or delay decision Balloting of the delegates ensues until candidate is chosen Delegates nominate the vice president based on ability win votes Presidential candidates have the strongest voice regarding the choice for vice president.

Campaigning for the Party Nomination [02:06]

Methods of presidential campaigning: Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders Methods of presidential campaigning: Television and other media advertise candidates’ views. Presidential debates (televised since 1960s) Computers offer online campaigning. Personal-appearance tours Telephone campaigning urges citizens to vote.

The main purpose of the electoral college: Section 4: Nominating and Electing Our Leaders The main purpose of the electoral college: Electors cast the official votes for presidency based on the popular vote in each state. The framers of the Constitution worried citizens would not be able to choose wise leaders. The relevancy of the electoral college today is in debate.

The Emergence of the Electoral College [01:57]

How the Electoral College Elects the President [01:44]

SECTION 4 Question: What events occur between the time a person announces candidacy and inauguration? Presidential Election Day Votes counted before a Joint Session of Congress National Nominating Conventions Announces candidacy Electors Vote Presidential Primaries Campaigning Inauguration

The Election Process [11:12]

Chapter 10 Wrap-Up 1. What purposes do political parties serve, and what are the advantages of a two-party system? 2. What are coalition governments, and why are they often unstable? 3. How do political parties raise money, and how does Congress regulate fund-raising? 4. How do presidential candidates use public funds for their campaigns? 5. What protections do voters receive from the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act of 1965? 6. How do the major political parties select their presidential candidates? 7. Why do some people want to replace the electoral college?