Chapter 10 Electing Leaders

HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON1

CIVICS IN PRACTICEHOLT

Chapter 10

Electing LeadersSection 1:A Two-Party SystemSection 2:Political Party OrganizationSection 3:The Right to VoteSection 4:Nominating and Electing Leaders



The Main IdeaPolitical parties play an important role in the American

democratic process. Party supporters put their political ideas to work at all levels of government.

Reading Focus What 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 System


HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON3Click the mouse button or press the

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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 laws Allows individuals to have a stronger voice

within a group Parties must compromise and work together




The development of political parties in the United States: Federalists—believed in strengthening the central

government Antifederalists (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




The Two-Party System (cont.)

• Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton disagreed strongly about how the government should operate.

• Hamilton wanted a strong national government and strong president.

• Jefferson wanted less power for the national government and more for state governments.

• Two rival political groups formed around these two leaders.

Click the mouse button or press theSpace Bar to display the information.

(pages 218–219)(pages 218–219)



The Two-Party System (cont.)

• Jefferson’s group was called the Democratic-Republican Party.

• In 1828, the party split, and the new leader Andrew Jackson aligned with the Democratic Party.

• Jackson was bitter over “corrupt bargain” he felt was struck between J Q Adams and Henry Clay during the election of 1824

Jackson (L) would blame JQA (R) and Henry Clay (far R) for costing him the presidency with a “corrupt bargain”



1824 Election Results

Since no candidate received a majority of electoral votes, Adams was elected in the House of Representatives.



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 freedoms

Two-party systems—create stable governments; allow for majority rule; voters have a choice




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 System



The Main IdeaPolitical 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 Focus How 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 Organization



Party committees and their responsibilities: National committee—sets dates, rules, and location of

national convention; publishes and distributes literature; arranges speakers; aids presidential candidate

State central committees—supervise operations within the states; maintain harmony and organization; raise money and aid candidates

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




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.




Federal Election Campaign Act 1972—Federal Election Campaign Act passed to

lessen the possibility of corruption FECA 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.




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 campaigns



The Main IdeaThe 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 Focus How 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 Vote



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.




Primary Elections

Allows registered voters to choose the party candidates

Closed primary: only party members can vote for each party’s candidate

Open primary: voters can vote for either party’s candidates




General Elections

Registered voters choose the leaders. Organizations, newspapers, radio, television,

and magazines help inform voters.




Changes in the voting process: Early 1800s—voting was by voice 1888—secret ballots adopted to ensure fairness

and honesty 1960s—Mechanical lever machines were most

common Punchcards, mark-sense, and direct recording

electronic systems are other paper-ballot alternatives.




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

SECTION 3

Voting Methods

Paper ballotMechanical

lever machines

Marksense (optical scan)

DRE system

Suggestions?



The Main IdeaEvery 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 Focus What is the main purpose of the electoral college? What is the nomination process at the national party

conventions?

Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders



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.




The nomination process at the national conventions: State-by-state roll call and nominating speeches for candidates Favorite sons or daughters nominated to honor or delay

decision Balloting of the delegates ensues until candidate is chosen Delegates nominate the vice president based on ability win

votes Presidential candidates have the strongest voice regarding the

choice for vice president.




Methods of presidential campaigning:

Television and other media advertise candidates’ views.

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




The Election of 1960

1st televised debatesSept. 26, 1960Nixon sick

5 o’clock shadowTV Audience feels JFK clear winnerRadio Audience feels it was even



The Election of 1960

JFK Wins close raceElectoral

303 – 219Popular

<120k out of 68 millionYoungest Pres. ever elected (43)1st Roman Catholic



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 Leaders



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

VoteInauguration



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?

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?

Chapter 10 Electing Leaders

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Transcript of Chapter 10 Electing Leaders