American Civics HOLT Chapter 10 Electing Leaders Section

American Civics HOLT Chapter 10 Electing Leaders Section 1: Section 2: Section 3: Section 4: 1 A Two-Party System Political Party Organization The Right to Vote Nominating and Electing Our Leaders HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON

American Civics HOLT Chapter 10 Section 1: A Two-Party System OBJECTIVES u What is the role of political parties in the United States? u How did political parties develop in the United States? u How do one-party and two-party political systems differ? 2 HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON

American Civics HOLT Chapter 10 Section 1: A Two-Party System Political parties in the United States: u Way for large groups with similar ideas to get things done u Take positions on public issues and work to pass laws u Allows individuals to have a stronger voice within a group u Parties must compromise and work together 3 HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON

American Civics HOLT Chapter 10 Section 1: A Two-Party System The development of political parties in the United States: u Federalists—believed in strengthening the central government u Antifederalists (Democratic-Republicans) tried to limit the power of the federal government. u 1820 s—Andrew Jackson led the Democratic Party; determined the government should represent the “common people” u 1854—Republican Party formed by antislavery groups; nominated Abraham Lincoln for president in 1860 4 HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON

American Civics HOLT Chapter 10 Section 1: A Two-Party System One-party and two-party political systems: u One-party systems—dictatorships or totalitarian governments; one group or person has power; people do not have essential freedoms u Two-party systems—create stable governments; allow for majority rule; voters have a choice 5 HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON

American Civics HOLT Chapter 10 Section 2: Political Party Organization OBJECTIVES u What are the committees that help major political parties, and what are their responsibilities? u Where do political parties get their money, and why does Congress regulate political contributions? u How does the Federal Election Campaign Act regulate federal campaigns? 6 HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON

American Civics HOLT Chapter 10 Section 2: Political Party Organization Party committees and their responsibilities: u National committee—sets dates, rules, and location of national convention; publishes and distributes literature; arranges speakers; aids presidential candidate u State central committees—supervise operations within the states; maintain harmony and organization; raise money and aid candidates u Local committees—conduct campaigns; recommend appointments and candidates; raise money; crucial to party success; precinct captains encourage voters to cast ballots for the party’s candidates 7 HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON

American Civics HOLT Chapter 10 Section 2: Political Party Organization Money and Regulations u Private contributions make up a large percentage of funds. u Business groups, labor unions and other groups also contribute. u Large fund-raising events are held by each party. u Fear of corruption prompted Congress to regulate the size of donations. 8 HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON

American Civics HOLT Chapter 10 Section 2: Political Party Organization Federal Election Campaign Act u 1972—Federal Election Campaign Act passed to lessen the possibility of corruption u FECA limits size of contributions and requires a report of donors. u Soft money remains difficult to monitor. u The Presidential Election Campaign Fund gives public funds to qualified candidates who can then no longer receive private donations. 9 HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON

American Civics HOLT Chapter 10 Section 3: The Right to Vote OBJECTIVES u Who can vote in U. S. elections, and how is this right protected? u What is the difference in primary elections and general elections? u How has the voting process changed over the years? 10 HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON

American Civics HOLT Chapter 10 Section 3: The Right to Vote Voting Rights in U. S. Elections u All U. S. citizens over the age of 18 are eligible to vote. u States cannot deny the right to vote based on race, color, or sex. u The Voting Rights Act protects voters’ rights. u Disqualified voters include prison inmates, mentally incompetent persons, election-law violators, and persons with no established residence. u Voters must register prior to an election. 11 HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON

American Civics HOLT Chapter 10 Section 3: The Right to Vote Primary Elections u Allows registered voters to choose the party candidates u Closed primary: only party members can vote for each party’s candidate u Open primary: voters can vote for either party’s candidates 12 HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON

American Civics HOLT Chapter 10 Section 3: The Right to Vote General Elections u Registered voters choose the leaders. u Organizations, newspapers, radio, television, and magazines help inform voters. 13 HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON

American Civics HOLT Chapter 10 Section 3: The Right to Vote Changes in the voting process: u Early 1800 s—voting was by voice u 1888—secret ballots adopted to ensure fairness and honesty u 1960 s—Mechanical lever machines were most common u Punchcards, mark-sense, and direct recording electronic systems are other paper-ballot alternatives. 14 HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON

American Civics HOLT Chapter 10 Section 4: Nominating and Electing Our Leaders OBJECTIVES u What is the purpose of national nominating conventions, and how are convention delegates chosen? u What is the nomination process at the national conventions? u What are some methods of presidential campaigning? u What is the main purpose of the electoral college? 15 HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON

American Civics HOLT Chapter 10 Section 4: Nominating and Electing Our Leaders National nominating conventions and choosing delegates: u Delegates are elected in primaries or selected by party u u u 16 leaders. Additional delegates are determined by different formulas. Parties agree on a platform and select a candidate at national conventions. Conventions are huge, televised events intended to spread the party’s message to voters. HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON

American Civics HOLT Chapter 10 Section 4: Nominating and Electing Our Leaders The nomination process at the national conventions: u State-by-state roll call and nominating speeches for candidates u Favorite sons or daughters nominated to honor or delay decision u Balloting of the delegates ensues until candidate is chosen u Delegates nominate the vice president based on ability win votes u Presidential candidates have the strongest voice regarding the choice for vice president. 17 HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON

American Civics HOLT Chapter 10 Section 4: Nominating and Electing Our Leaders Methods of presidential campaigning: u Television and other media advertise candidates’ views. u Presidential debates (televised since 1960 s) u Computers offer online campaigning. u Personal-appearance tours u Telephone campaigning urges citizens to vote. 18 HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON

American Civics HOLT Chapter 10 Section 4: Nominating and Electing Our Leaders The main purpose of the electoral college: u Electors cast the official votes for presidency based on the popular vote in each state. u The framers of the Constitution worried citizens would not be able to choose wise leaders. u The relevancy of the electoral college today is in debate. 19 HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON