Chapter 10 - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

Chapter 10Electing Leaders

Section 1:

A Two

-

Party System

Section 2:

Political Party Organization

Section 3:

The Right to Vote

Section 4:

Nominating and Electing LeadersSlide2

The Main Idea

Political parties play an important role in the American democratic process. Party supporters put their political ideas to work at all levels of government.

Reading FocusWhat is the role of political parties in the United States?What are the differences between two-party and one-party political systems?What impact have third parties had on the United States?

Section 1: A Two-Party SystemSlide3

Political parties in the United States:

Way for large groups with similar ideas to get things done

Take positions on public issues and work to pass lawsAllows individuals to have a stronger voice within a groupParties must compromise and work togetherSection 1: A Two-Party SystemSlide4

The development of political parties in the United States:

Federalists

—believed in strengthening the central governmentAntifederalists (Democratic-Republicans) tried to limit the power of the federal government.1820s—Andrew Jackson led the Democratic Party; determined the government should represent the “common people”1854—Republican Party formed by antislavery groups; nominated Abraham Lincoln for president in 1860

Section 1: A Two-Party SystemSlide5

One-party and two-party political systems:

One

-party systems—dictatorships or totalitarian governments; one group or person has power; people do not have essential freedomsTwo-party systems—create stable governments; allow for majority rule; voters have a choice

Section 1: A Two-Party SystemSlide6

Question:

What are the differences between one- and two-party systems?SECTION 1

Usually a totalitarian government

Usually an unlimited government

A government unrestrained by the people

Opposition parties illegal



Usually restrictive of civil and political rights

Usually forms a stable government

Usually a limited government

Composed of a diverse group of people who share similar political beliefs

Elections are based on a “winner take all” format



Usually civil and political rights are protected

One-Party System

Two-Party SystemSlide7

The Main Idea

Political parties have workers and committees at the local, state, and national levels. The party nominates candidates for office and campaigns to get those candidates elected.

Reading FocusHow are political parties organized?How do political parties operate at the local level?What are the two main sources of money for financing political campaigns?

Section 2: Political Party OrganizationSlide8

Party committees and their responsibilities:

National committee

—sets dates, rules, and location of national convention; publishes and distributes literature; arranges speakers; aids presidential candidateState central committees—supervise operations within the states; maintain harmony and organization; raise money and aid candidatesLocal 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

Section 2: Political Party OrganizationSlide9

Money and Regulations

Private contributions make up a large percentage of funds.

Business groups, labor unions and other groups also contribute.Large fund-raising events are held by each party.Fear of corruption prompted Congress to regulate the size of donations.

Section 2: Political Party OrganizationSlide10

Federal Election Campaign Act

1972

—Federal Election Campaign Act passed to lessen the possibility of corruptionFECA limits size of contributions and requires a report of donors.Soft money remains difficult to monitor.The Presidential Election Campaign Fund gives public funds to qualified candidates who can then no longer receive private donations.

Section 2: Political Party OrganizationSlide11

Question:

What are the responsibilities of each of the committees, and how do they help their major political party?

SECTION 2

National Committee



Selects the site and date for the national nominating convention



Sets rules for convention



Helps presidential candidate with election

Local Committees



Conducts campaigns at the local level



Raises money for the party and party candidates



Makes recommendations for political appointments



Precinct captains are responsible for getting voters out to vote

State

Central Committees



Supervises party’s operations within each state



Maintains party harmony



Helps raise money for political campaignsSlide12

The Main Idea

The right to vote is one of the most important rights held by U.S. citizens. It is the means through which citizens can most directly affect the actions of government.

Reading FocusHow do you become a voter in the United States?What is the difference between primary elections and general elections?How has the voting process changed over the years?

Section 3: The Right to VoteSlide13

Voting Rights in U.S. Elections

All U.S. citizens over the age of 18 are eligible to vote.

States cannot deny the right to vote based on race, color, or sex.The Voting Rights Act protects voters’ rights.Disqualified voters include prison inmates, mentally incompetent persons, election-law violators, and persons with no established residence.Voters must register prior to an election.

Section 3: The Right to VoteSlide14

Primary Elections

Allows registered voters to choose the party candidates

Closed primary: only party members can vote for each party’s candidateOpen primary: voters can vote for either party’s candidates

Section 3: The Right to VoteSlide15

General Elections

Registered voters choose the leaders.

Organizations, newspapers, radio, television, and magazines help inform voters.Section 3: The Right to VoteSlide16

Changes in the voting process:

Early 1800s

—voting was by voice1888—secret ballots adopted to ensure fairness and honesty1960s—Mechanical lever machines were most commonPunchcards, mark-sense, and direct recording electronic systems are other paper-ballot alternatives.

Section 3: The Right to VoteSlide17

Question:

What are the various voting methods currently used across the country?

SECTION 3

Voting Methods

Paper ballot

Mechanical lever machines

Marksense (optical scan)

DRE system

Suggestions?Slide18

The Main Idea

Every four years the United States elects a president. Citizens need to follow the presidential election campaign, stay informed about the candidates and the issues, and vote.

Reading FocusWhat is the main purpose of the electoral college?What is the nomination process at the national party conventions?

Section 4: Nominating and Electing LeadersSlide19

National nominating conventions and choosing delegates:

Delegates are elected in primaries or selected by party 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.

Section 4: Nominating and Electing LeadersSlide20

The nomination process at the national conventions:

State

-by-state roll call and nominating speeches for candidatesFavorite sons or daughters nominated to honor or delay decisionBalloting of the delegates ensues until candidate is chosenDelegates nominate the vice president based on ability win votesPresidential candidates have the strongest voice regarding the choice for vice president.

Section 4: Nominating and Electing LeadersSlide21

Methods of presidential campaigning:

Television and other media advertise candidates’ views.

Presidential debates (televised since 1960s)Computers offer online campaigning.Personal-appearance toursTelephone campaigning urges citizens to vote.

Section 4: Nominating and Electing LeadersSlide22

The main purpose of the electoral college:

Electors cast the official votes for presidency based on the popular vote in each state.

The framers of the Constitution worried citizens would not be able to choose wise leaders.The relevancy of the electoral college today is in debate.Section 4: Nominating and Electing Our LeadersSlide23

Question:

What events occur between the time a person announces candidacy and inauguration?

SECTION 4

Announces candidacy

National Nominating Conventions

Presidential Election Day

Votes counted before a Joint Session of Congress

Presidential Primaries

Campaigning

Electors Vote

InaugurationSlide24

Chapter 10 Wrap-Up

1.

What purposes do political parties serve, and what are the advantages of a two-party system?

2.

What are coalition governments, and why are they often unstable?

3.

How do political parties raise money, and how does Congress regulate fund-raising?

4.

How do presidential candidates use public funds for their campaigns?

5.

What protections do voters receive from the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

6.

How do the major political parties select their presidential candidates?

7.

Why do some people want to replace the electoral college?