VOTING IN AMERICA

REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT? VOTING

APATHY – ONLY 51 % for President

May 30, 2006, Telescope announced that a total of 63.5 million votes were cast in the finale round. A total of 580 million votes were cast in the entire season.

VOTER REGISTRATION CARD – TO PREVENT FRAUD

rimaryMapED.pdfhttp:// rimaryMapED.pdf

15 th, 19 th, 26 th Amendments

CIVIL RIGHTS ACT 1965 (CONGRESS) DID AWAY WITH: LITERACY TESTS POLL TAX

MOTOR VOTER ACT (1992)

SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICT – ONE PERSON PER DISTRICT (TX – 32 DISTRICTS – KEVIN BRADY – DISTR ICT 8)

AT – LARGE VOTING ALL ELIGIBLE VOTERS IN TEXAS VOTE

Gerrymandering

Elections To be elected, an individual must win two types of elections

Primary Election  Held on a date determined by the states  Open (TEXAS – SORT OF)  TEXAS TWO STEP  Crossover vote  Closed  Political parties prefer closed 

Primary Election election within a political party choose party candidate vs.

General Election ALL eligible voters make final selection VS.

 All FEDERAL (general elections) are held on the same day The Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even numbered years

FLORIDA BALLOT

MONEY IN POLITICS

PAC Dollars to Incumbents (person seeking reelection)

George W. Bush (R) $367,228,801 John Kerry (D) $328,479,245 Ralph Nader (3) $4,567,299 Michael Badnarik (L) $1,093,013 Michael Peroutka (3) $709,087 David Cobb (3) $496, PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION $ SPENT

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES – PAC’s a private group, organized to elect or defeat government officials to promote legislation, often supporting the group's special interests.

political organizations influence governmental action in a specific area (CHANGE LAWS) persuade legislators SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS SIG’s (lobby groups)

Hard money – money contributed to campaign - must be reported - limited Soft money – money contributed to campaign -

Policy Details: The Policy Book 2006 AARP develops public policies that reflect our members' concerns and interests. Review specific interests in detail, download a chapter of interest or the entire book.download a chapter of interest Economic Security Social Security, pensions and savings, the option of working—all are important elements of economic social security. economic social security A Quick Summary: The Priorities Book Review this companion to the full policy book. Download the book, or order print copies.this companion Health Care and Supportive Services Lifelong health and independence are not guarunteed. That's why everyone needs protection to cover high costs of care that may someday be needed.protection to cover high costs Livable Communities The vast majority of older people want to stay in their homes and communities while they are fit and healthy, and even after they begin to need long-term support.stay in their homes and communities

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