1. Influence and Voting/Elections

2. Public Opinion Forming Public Opinion (4) Sources of Public Opinion Personal Background Mass Media Public Officials Interest Groups The Mass Media Print (newspapers, magazines) Electronic (radio, television, internet) Interest Groups Interest Group – organization that supports a particular issue. PAC – political action committee. Raise $ to get candidates elected. Lobbyist – person hired by interest group to provide info and influence politicians.

3. VOTING HISTORY White Males 21 years of age or older (early US history) Black Males (15 th Amendment) Females (19 th Amendment) 18 Years of Age REGISTERING TO VOTE Where? – County Offices, DMV What? – Proof of Citizenship, Address, & Age – Driver ’ s License or Birth Certificate QUALIFICATIONS TO VOTE 18 Years of age Resident of state for a specific amount of time Citizen of the US States may deny if you have committed a serious crime Cannot vote while in prison VOCABULARY Polling Place – location where people vote Precinct – a voting district (geographic area) Ballot – list of candidates on which you vote Returns – counting of ballots Exit Poll – sample of voters and how they voted

4. Primary Election – an election in which the political parties choose candidate for office to compete in the general election. Direct Primary – election in which voters choose candidates for political part in general election. – Closed Primary – only registered members of political party can vote. – Open Primary – choose party, can only vote in one, do not have to be a registered member. Plurality – most votes among those running wins. Run-Off Primary – if majority is necessary, top (2) have a run-off Petition – unaffiliated candidates must get on ballot by petition. Types of Elections

5. ELECTIONS ELECTION PROCESS Declare Intent to Run for Office Primary Election General Election PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION Primary Election General Election Electoral College CAMPAIGNS Canvassing – going door to door getting info out about candidates Endorsements – using celebrities & other politicians to gain support Advertising & Image Molding – using television, newspaper, radio, internet to portray candidate a particular way CAMPAIGN FINANCING Public Financing – Presidential Election Campaign Fund - $3 on tax form. 3 rd party candidate are eligible if they receive 5% of vote in previous election. Private Funding – Individual Citizens, Party Organizations, Corporations, Special Interest Groups, PACs, Soft Money (not particular candidate)