Electing Leaders NEXT. Section 1: A Two-Party System Political parties play an important role in the...

Electing Leaders

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Section 1: A Two-Party System

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 Focus• What is the role of political parties in the United

States?• What are the differences between one-party and two-

party political systems?• What impact have third parties had on the United

States?

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The Main Idea

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

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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


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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


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What impact have third parties had on the United States?• At times, third parties have greatly influenced national

politics, even though their candidate did not win the election.


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Question: What are the differences between one- and two-party systems?


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One-Party System• Usually a totalitarian government• Usually an unlimited government• A government unrestrained by the people• Opposition parties illegal• Usually restrictive of civil and political rights


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Two-Party System• 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

Section 2: Political Party Organization

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 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?

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The Main Idea

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

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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.


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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.


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


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National Committee• Selects the site and date for the national nominating

convention• Sets rules for convention• Helps presidential candidate with electionState Central Committees• Supervises party's operations within each state• Maintains party harmony• Helps raise money for political campaigns


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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


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Section 3: The Right to Vote

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 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?

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The Main Idea

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.

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Primary Elections

• Allows registered voters to choose the party’s candidates

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

• Open primary: voters can vote for either party's candidates


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General Elections

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

magazines help inform voters.


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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.


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


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

Voting Methods• Paper ballot• Mechanical lever machines• Marksense (optical scan)• DRE system


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Section 4: Nominating and Electing Leaders

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 Focus• What is the main purpose of the electoral college?• What is the nomination process at the national party

conventions?

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The Main Idea

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.

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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

to win votes• Presidential candidates have the strongest voice

regarding the choice for vice president.


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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.


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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 Leaders4SECTION

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


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

Announces candidacy• Presidential Primaries• National Nominating Conventions• Campaigning• Presidential Election Day• Electors Vote• Votes counted before a Joint Session of CongressInauguration


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

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

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

• How do presidential candidates use public funds for their campaigns?

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

• How do the major political parties select their presidential candidates?

• Why do some people want to replace the electoral college?

Chapter 10 Wrap-Up

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Wrap-Up

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