1. Agenda
Do Now: Complete Political Spectrum worksheet using notes from last class.
K-W-L on Voting
Notes on Voting/Citizenship
Group Activity: How to increase voter turnout.

2. What would you like to learn about both.
KWL
Complete the K & W
What do you already know about the Electoral College and your right to vote?
What would you like to learn about both.

3. In the Constitution…
Citizen: A person who, by birth or choice, owes allegiance to this nation.
1.) You were born in the US, or one of its territories (even if your parents are not citizens).
2.) At least ONE of your parents are US citizens it does not matter where you are born.
3.) Or you have been “naturalized.”

4. Naturalization
This means you have gone through the process of becoming a citizen.
If you are not a citizen you can be considered an “alien.” As an alien you can not vote OR hold office.
To become a citizen you must go through naturalization: study American History (values, laws, rights & duties), meet certain requirements AND take a test.

5. Step 1- Apply Step 2- Requirements 18 years or older, legal resident for at least 5 years, good moral character, loyalty to the US and its Constitution, ability to read, write and speak the English language, and pass test. Step 3- Final Hearing  Applicant appears before a citizenship court & takes oath.

6. Duties of Citizens Obey the laws Defend our Nation
Rule of Law: Concept of a government of laws, rather than men and women.
In a Democracy, no individual-even the President-is above the law!
Defend our Nation
Serve on a jury or witness in court
Pay taxes
Attend school (yes-you can get in trouble with the government if you are under AND NOT IN SCHOOL!)

7. Voter requirements for the state of New Jersey
Voting is part of our responsibility as citizens
Voter requirements for the state of New Jersey
a United States citizen,
at least 18 years old by the next election,
a resident of the county for 30 days before the election.

8. How to register? You must be a registered voter
Mail or deliver the Voter Registration Application and/or Party Affiliation Form to the County Commissioner of Registration

9. Where can I vote? Why Vote?
Locate your local polling station through the New Jersey website
Your polling station
Why Vote?

10. Why Vote? Voting is a special right that we as Americans enjoy.
It allows us to have a say in what our government is doing.
Electing representatives to hold
office for the common good.
If you don’t vote who are you to complain?

11. Voter Turn Out

12. Increase voter turnout
In groups discuss the following questions, brainstorm ideas, one person in the group is the recorder.
1.) What political issues motivate younger citizens to get involved with public life? Give examples.
2.) Some countries increased voter participation by holding elections on Sundays. What other methods can you suggest to increase turnout?
3.) In some countries voter participation is mandatory. What effect might this have on elections? Do you think this is a good way to increase citizen participation in elections?

13. Would you pass the Citizenship Test?
50 sample questions that have been used on past Citizenship Tests.
Complete the quiz
See how you do!

14. Do Now: Answer the questions below: -What is the Electoral College?
-If you were running for President what states would you focus on? Why?
-Do you agree with this system? Why or Why not?

15. Electoral College
Created by the founding fathers at the Constitutional Convention
When you vote for the President you are actually voting for an ELECTOR to vote for you
Each state has a determined number of electors based on Proportional Representation!!!

16. Given the electoral map on the previous slide, students will be asked the following hypothetical question; If you were running for President with limited money and could only focus on a few states, where would you focus your campaign?
(I would then have students list the states, in order, that they would need to win the necessary 270 E.C. votes. They would find that only 11 states are needed to become President.)

17. A state’s number of Electors is the total number of Senators and Representatives in the House
New Jersey
2 Senators
12 Representatives
Total Electors

18. There are a total of 538 electoral votes
-The District of Columbia is not a state but is given 3 electoral votes.
-A candidate must have 270 electoral votes to win the Presidential election.
-If no single candidate gets the required 270 electoral votes then the House of Representatives votes to decide the President.
-48 out of the 50 states have a “winner takes all” method

19. 48 out of the 50 states have a “winner takes all” method
If you get the most votes in that state you get ALL of their electoral college votes
***It is possible to get more votes overall in the election from the entire country and NOT be elected President

20. Total Votes in 2000 Election:
Bush 50,461,092 total votes
(47.9%)
271 Electoral Votes
Gore 50,994,086 total votes
(48.4%)
266 Electoral Votes
Nader 2,882,728 total votes
(2.7%)
0 Electoral College Votes

21. 2000 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

22. What are the drawbacks to the Electoral College?
Encourages low voter turnout
Diminishes third party influence
Person with most popular votes may not win
Leads to tactical, insincere voting
If there is no majority winner in the Electoral College, the election goes to the H.O.R and there is a loss of separation of powers

23. Exit Slip: What do you think?
Some people argue that the Electoral College is outdated and has not played out the way the founders originally planned.
**Do you agree or disagree? Why? Make sure you use examples and support your argument. (4-5 sentences)