Standards |
Vocabulary |
GOV.10B: explain the process of electing the president of the United States and analyze the Electoral College 6% on the ACP GOV.11A: analyze the functions of political parties and their role in the electoral process at local, state, and national levels GOV.11B: explain the two-party system and evaluate the role of third parties in the United States; 4% on the ACP GOV.14D: understand the voter registration process and the criteria for voting in elections 4% on the ACP |
Conservative
Liberal Moderate Primaries Caucuses Electoral College Inauguration National Convention Platform Election Day (when?) Third Party Single issue party |
General Election
Swing States Political Parties Two-Party System |
Process of Electing a President
Announcement
Candidates announce that they are entering the race. This usually happens 1-2 years before the November election.
Candidates announce that they are entering the race. This usually happens 1-2 years before the November election.
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Primaries and Caucuses
Members in the same party run against each other, trying to become the party’s candidate during the primaries and caucuses.
Members in the same party run against each other, trying to become the party’s candidate during the primaries and caucuses.
National Conventions
At the National party convention the party selects a candidate, the candidate selects a “running mate” for vice president
The national conventions are also where the parties writes a “platform” of goals and promises. Platform is a series of statements expressing the parties principles, beliefs, and positions on issues.
At the National party convention the party selects a candidate, the candidate selects a “running mate” for vice president
The national conventions are also where the parties writes a “platform” of goals and promises. Platform is a series of statements expressing the parties principles, beliefs, and positions on issues.
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Election Campaigns
The means by which candidates and political parties prepare and present their ideas and positions on issues to the voters from the time they announce until election day.
The means by which candidates and political parties prepare and present their ideas and positions on issues to the voters from the time they announce until election day.
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General Election
A regular election of candidates for President is held on the first Tuesday of November.
A regular election of candidates for President is held on the first Tuesday of November.
Electoral College
A body of people representing the states of the US (electors), who formally cast votes for the election of the president and vice president.
Each state is given electoral votes equal to the number of congressional members they have.
This is done so that states with smaller populations are not overlooked during the election.
After the electoral votes are cast a joint session of congress certify the results officially declaring the winner
The 23rd Amendment gave DC 3 electoral votes.
A body of people representing the states of the US (electors), who formally cast votes for the election of the president and vice president.
Each state is given electoral votes equal to the number of congressional members they have.
This is done so that states with smaller populations are not overlooked during the election.
After the electoral votes are cast a joint session of congress certify the results officially declaring the winner
The 23rd Amendment gave DC 3 electoral votes.
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Inauguration
On January 20, the President is sworn in, in Washington, D. C. (20th Amendment)
He recites an oath: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
On January 20, the President is sworn in, in Washington, D. C. (20th Amendment)
He recites an oath: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Political Parties
Political Parties are organizations of individuals with broad, common interest who organize to win elections, operate in government, and influence government policy.
Main Political Parties
DemocratsBackground
1828 formed in support of Andrew Jackson Philosophy Liberal: Federal government should be more directly involved in citizen’s lives Biographies of Famous Democrats |
RepublicansBackground
Formed in 1854 with Abraham Lincoln to oppose slavery Known as the "Grand Ole Party" or GOP Philosophy Conservatives: Federal government should be less directly involved in citizen’s lives Biographies of Famous Republicans |
Two Party System
Advantages:
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Disadvantages:
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3rd Parties
Third Parties are smaller minor parties and are usually Single Issue Parties. Parties formed to promote a social, economic, or moral issue. One advantage of third parties is that it can force the main parties address specific issues. A disadvantage of third parties is that their candidate can be a spoiler. A Spoiler is a third candidate that takes voters away from the main party candidates causing them to lose.
The Top Third Parties are:
The Top Third Parties are:
Election Day
Presidential elections takes place every 4 years on the first Tuesday of November.
Mid-term elections are held during the 2nd year of a Presidents Term.
Mid-term elections are held during the 2nd year of a Presidents Term.
Voting Requirements
- A United States citizen
- Meet your state's residency requirements
- 18 years of older
- Registered to vote
Who Can't Vote?
- Convicted felons
- Legally insane