1. Chapter 9.2 Role of Political Parties
Party Structures & The Roles They Play in Government Today

2. Pop Quiz 9 Name one function of the National Convention.
Why is the local level called the “grassroots” level?
What is the purpose of a primary or caucus?
What does it mean if a candidate is canvassing a neighborhood?
Why does winning elections matter to political parties?

3. Review Do each part for each party: Symbol? Ideology? 2012 Ticket?
Logo?
Slogan?

7. http://www. constitutionparty

8. Local Level
In the structure of the political party, this is the “Grassroots” level.
Local committees recruit party members to work the polls, to run for elective offices, and to “get out the vote,” and to attend and represent them at the state level functions.
The local chairperson runs the day-to-day operations to organize the party and oversees fundraising events.
Currituck County Republican Party
Currituck County Democratic Party

9. State Level
State committees support party nominees for state elective offices, choose delegates to the national committee and national convention, and choose the state chairperson.
The state chairperson runs the day-to-day operations to organize the party, organize the state convention and oversees fundraising events.

10. National Level
This level is the most visible but not as powerful as the other levels.
The National committee is made up of representatives from every state.
They plan & organize the National convention.
The National chairperson runs the day-to-day operations to organize the party and oversees fundraising events.

11. National Convention
Held every 4 years to write the party platform and officially nominate the party’s Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates.
The Party’s Presidential Candidate chooses their Vie Presidential running mate. These offices run as a “ticket.”
Held in a large city in a swing or battleground state.
2016 EXS: Democratic Convention in Philadelphia, PA; GOP Convention in Cleveland, OH

12. Go over Each Function
Nominating Candidates: The party chooses who represents them in the general election
Open primary (All voters can choose party’s nominee)
Closed primary (Only party members choose nominee)
Caucus (Party meeting where voters stand with nominee)
Campaigning for candidates (Raise $, canvassing)
Informing citizens (Run ads, stumping)
Managing government (Make appointments by patronage, upper-hand in making laws)
Linking levels of government (platform, campaigning for candidates)
Acting as a watchdog (losing party watches and report majority abuses through the use of the media)

13. Class Election Choose your party.
Candidates “Throw your hat into the Ring.”
Each party will nominate your candidates:
Hold open direct primary
Hold closed direct primary
Hold party caucus
Complete writing assignment on p. 7.

14. Chapter 10.1/Lesson 27 Questions Page 8
Originally, what group was given the right to vote in our country?
Outline the voting rights granted by each of the following: 15th, 19th, 23rd, 24th & 26th Amendments; Voting Rights Act of 1965.
When will you become part of the electorate?
What are the steps in casting your vote?
Why do so many people not vote?
What suggestions have been made to increase voter participation?