Elections All you ever wanted to know and more!

Benefits of elections 1. Give the government legitimacy 2. Actually fill public office 3. Help organize the government 4. Keep the government accountable

Realities of elections 1. Elections don’t always put in the best candidate as voters sometimes vote against someone rather than for someone. 2. Voters must be willing to spend time seeking out information and learning about issues to make the best choices. 3. When parties and presidents satisfy the public, they are rewarded. When they don’t, they’re “punished” (even if they’re not to blame). Next on Honey Boo Boo…

WARNING!! RAPID TOPIC SHIFT AHEAD!

The Electoral College Definition – representatives from each sate who cast the ballots which actually elect the president Definition – representatives from each sate who cast the ballots which actually elect the president A result of a compromise between the Framers – one side wanted Congress to pick the president, the other wanted the people to do it. A result of a compromise between the Framers – one side wanted Congress to pick the president, the other wanted the people to do it. At first, this had practical applications as no mass media existed to inform the voting masses of the candidates and issues. At first, this had practical applications as no mass media existed to inform the voting masses of the candidates and issues. The electors, however, would be educated men familiar with politics and its workings. The electors, however, would be educated men familiar with politics and its workings.

Electoral College (cont.) The original design was to: The original design was to: a. work without parties b. cover the nomination and election of presidents c. produce a nonpartisan president Of course, this didn’t work. Of course, this didn’t work. (Note: For a refresher on the electoral college, see the “Evolution of the Presidency” textbook excerpt from earlier in the year.)

Voter Behavior Turnout – the segment of the voting-age public that actually votes. Turnout – the segment of the voting-age public that actually votes. Around 40% of eligible voters in the U.S. vote regularly. Around 40% of eligible voters in the U.S. vote regularly. Around 25% vote occasionally. Around 25% vote occasionally. Around 35% rarely or never vote. Around 35% rarely or never vote.

Who votes? More Likely Incomes over $40, and older Whites College graduates Interested in politics Less Likely Incomes under $40, and under & 70+ African-Americans Below a college degree Not interested in politics Let’s find out! Let’s check your answers!

Why is turnout so low? 1. Difficult registration process Individual is responsible for registering; the government does not automatically register its citizens Individual is responsible for registering; the government does not automatically register its citizens 2. Hard to vote absentee Many states require you apply in person to vote absentee Many states require you apply in person to vote absentee 3. Number of elections So many elections, people claim they lose their importance. Or, they forget which ones are the most important. So many elections, people claim they lose their importance. Or, they forget which ones are the most important. 4. Voter attitude Alienated by the government Alienated by the government Apathetic Apathetic Lack of important issues Lack of important issues Satisfied with how things are Satisfied with how things are Uncontested elections (not close) Uncontested elections (not close) Petty campaign issues Petty campaign issues Mudslinging campaign ads Mudslinging campaign ads General distrust of the government General distrust of the government 5. Weak parties We’ve gone from grassroots parties to ones which are run at the national level – little connection to the voter We’ve gone from grassroots parties to ones which are run at the national level – little connection to the voter

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