1. Electoral Process Concepts in the 2012 Election
By Alec Josaitis

2. National Party Conventions
a meeting held by a political party for the purposes of nominating a presidential and vice presidential candidate and adopting a party platform.
Now attended by large crowds and many parts are scripted for television
At the convention, state delegates ratify the party’s presidential and vice presidential candidate
Many, if not all party votes are passed by a majority or 2/3 majority of public rather than private caucus

3. The Electoral College
a group of representatives from each state that casts the official ballots that formally elect the President of the United States.
Each State has the same number of electors as Congressmen
538 electors total
Chosen by state political party leaders
Congress will count the 2012 electoral college votes on January 6, 2013
Results of this year’s election:
Obama: Romney: 206

4. The Federal Election Commission
an independent regulatory agency whose purpose is to disclose campaign finance information, to enforce the limits and prohibitions on contributions, and to oversee the public funding of Presidential elections.
2012 Campaign Contribution total (as reported by FEC): $2,807,631,768
Highly criticized this year for its lack of oversight and loopholes in regulation
Does not require 501(c) groups to disclose donors’ name and home address
Monitors all contributions over $200

5. Super PACs
Unlike a traditional PAC, Super PACs can accept direct donations from corporations and unions; both types of packs can accept direct contributions from individuals.
Can collect and spend unlimited funding on independent expenditures
Raised $567,498,628 this election season
In 2012, more money spent opposing candidates than supporting them
Super PACs spent more money supporting Republicans than Democrats in 2012

6. Interest Groups
a social group with a common platform that seeks to raise public awareness of these issues, particularly by influencing the government to adopt their platform.
Commonly reach their goals by lobbying. Lobbying, stated simply, is the act of influencing politicians to vote in one’s favor.
More TV advertisements were bought by interest groups than Super PACs (as of April 24th, 2012)
Obama broke his promise not to accept money from lobbyists this election season