1. Political participation in the USA

2. Joining in, taking part, becoming involved, e.g. standing as a candidate in an election. What is ‘Participation?’

3. Ways Citizens can Participate Voting - On election day people can participate by turning out to vote for the Presidential candidate of their choice. e.g. In federal elections, vote for President every 4 years and Congress every 2 years

4. Ways Citizens can Participate Stand as candidates - For example they could stand for Congress or even President. Over 1 million positions available from President down to dog catcher!

5. Ways Citizens can Participate Join a political party – Democrats or Republicans Being a party member lets them take part in the primary elections where you can choose your preferred candidate for President. For example, Democrats tend to be supported by the poor, unemployed and ethnic minorities Republicans are more closely linked to the rich, big business and the middle class

6. Ways Citizens can Participate Campaigning - Party members can get involved in election campaigns by handing out leaflets, attending party rallies and fundraising.

7. Ways Citizens can Participate Join a Pressure group or Interest Group – these are groups which share similar views about something For example, the National Rifle Association (NRA) defends the right of American citizens to own and carry guns for self defence and sporting purposes. They are a powerful group with many supporters within government

8. Ways Citizens can Participate Propositions Some states allow citizens to put forward propositions on the ballot paper Propositions are changes to state laws For example, Proposition 227 in California ended bilingual education in state schools

9. Political Participation in the USA Lesson Starter Identify and explain three ways that Americans can participate in politics

10. KU Question In what ways can Americans participate in politics? 8 marks Extension Complete a revision spider-diagram on participation in the USA which has to be finished for homework. Should contain all the ways Americans can participate along with information and examples.

11. In what ways can American citizens participate in politics? (Credit Level, 8 marks) There are many ways in which American ________ can participate in politics. The first, and most obvious, is by_______. Elections take place for many different posts and positions in the USA, at levels from _________ up to Presidential. Americans can also participate by __________ a political party. This shows their support for the party - the two main parties in US politics are the __________ and the Democrats. Thirdly, Americans can participate by helping their party during election campaigns. For example, in the run-up to the Presidential election there are many stages such as Primary Elections and the Party __________. Ordinary members can help during these ______ and events. A final way that they can participate in politics is by becoming_______ themselves. Far more local council posts are _________in the USA than in Britain, and this means there are many opportunities for elected office. joiningcandidateselectedRepublicanscounty Citizenscampaignsconventionvoting

12. Reasons why Americans should participate in their political system Americans can choose elected representatives who might solve their problems. For example, many Americans voted for Barack Obama because he said he would improve the health system.

13. Reasons why Americans should participate in their political system Americans can help a pressure group that is campaigning for something they are interested in. For example, pro gun supporters join groups like the NRA (National Rifle Association).

14. Reasons why Americans should participate in their political system If Blacks and Hispanics want to have more ethnic minorities in Congress then they need to go out and vote for them.

15. Reasons why Americans should participate in their political system Apathy (“why bother voting?”) is a threat to democracy. If people don’t vote then the representatives elected have been elected by a smaller group – this is not true democracy.