sscg8 the student will demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national elections. b. describe...
TRANSCRIPT
SSCG8 The student will demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national elections.
b. Describe the nomination and election process.c. Examine campaign funding and spending.
EQ: What is the basic purpose of a presidential primary election?
The Electoral Process
In the U. S., the election process occurs in two steps:
1. Nomination—where the choice of candidates are narrowed down to 1 per party
2. General election—where voters make the final choice of officeholder
Nominating:
Self-Announcement: “throwing your hat in the
ring”○ Term coined by Teddy
Roosevelt in 1912
Primary Elections and Caucuses
Helps candidates to become known by the public
○ elections are held by political parties ○ the party picks the candidate for the
general election
A caucus is a meeting of members of a particular political party
mostly used at local and state levels○ ex. Iowa caucus
Primaries can be open or closed
○ Open primaries: any qualified voter can cast a ballot
○ Closed primaries: only declared party members can cast ballots.
Nominating Convention
Official meeting of party delegates to select the party’s presidential candidate
Held in the summer before the general election
The convention develops the party’s platform
Campaigning
Purpose is to get the candidate’s message out to the voter
○ an effort to influence potential voters
○ use of propaganda to sway voters
Campaign Funding Money plays key
role in politics
3 basic sources: Most of $ from Private
sources; ○ Ex. Individuals,
families, personal funds.
PACs
Public subsidies○ Ex. Federal matching
fund program
2 types of campaign funds Hard money: donations must
be reported to FEC and have $ limits.
Soft money: donations given to local/state organizations for “party-building activities○ Ex. Ads, voter registration.
Qualifications for President
Formal Qualifications:Must be 35 Years Old
Must be a natural born citizen
Must be a resident of the US for at least 14 years