Section 1—The Nominating Process The Electoral Process Chapter 7.

Section 1—The Nominating ProceSection 1—The Nominating Processss

The Electoral ProcessThe Electoral Process

Chapter 7Chapter 7


Section 1—The Nominating Section 1—The Nominating ProcessProcess

NominationNomination is the naming of candidates is the naming of candidates who will run for office. who will run for office. Major function of the political partiesMajor function of the political parties Leading reason for the decentralization of the Leading reason for the decentralization of the

partiesparties Limits the choices of the electorate.Limits the choices of the electorate. Can determine who will win the general Can determine who will win the general

election. election.


Ways That Candidates Are Ways That Candidates Are NominatedNominated

There are five basic ways that candidates There are five basic ways that candidates are nominated in US. What are they?are nominated in US. What are they? Self-announcementSelf-announcement CaucusCaucus ConventionConvention Direct primaryDirect primary PetitionPetition


Self AnnouncementSelf Announcement

Oldest formOldest form Still used in small and local Still used in small and local

elections elections

Also used by candidates Also used by candidates who want to run as who want to run as independentsindependents

ExamplesExamples: George : George Wallace in 1968, Eugene Wallace in 1968, Eugene McCarthy in 1976, John McCarthy in 1976, John Anderson in 1980 and Anderson in 1980 and Ross Perot in 1992. Ross Perot in 1992.


CaucusCaucus

Definition.Definition. Early days used by the parties to select Early days used by the parties to select

their candidates for president. their candidates for president. Congressional CaucusesCongressional Caucuses

Still used in some local electionsStill used in some local elections Still used by some states for presidential Still used by some states for presidential

nomination.nomination.


ConventionConvention Major Parties used instead of caucus Major Parties used instead of caucus

starting in the 1830s.starting in the 1830s. Why?Why?

First party to have a convention?First party to have a convention? anti-Masons in 1831anti-Masons in 1831; Whigs had a ; Whigs had a

convention the same year; convention the same year; Democrats in 1832.Democrats in 1832.

Basic procedureBasic procedure Criticized and replaced in early 20Criticized and replaced in early 20 thth Century. Century.

Why?Why?


The Direct PrimaryThe Direct Primary

Election held within the party to pick the Election held within the party to pick the party’s candidates for the general election.party’s candidates for the general election.

Every state has some form today.Every state has some form today. Most states requires major parties to use Most states requires major parties to use

for important office.for important office. Closely regulated in most states so that Closely regulated in most states so that

state controls them.state controls them.


Open v. Closed PrimaryOpen v. Closed Primary

What is the difference between open and closed What is the difference between open and closed primary?primary?

How many states closed? Open?How many states closed? Open? Advantages of Closed PrimaryAdvantages of Closed Primary

It prevents one party from raiding the other’s primaryIt prevents one party from raiding the other’s primary It helps make candidates more responsive to the It helps make candidates more responsive to the

party and its platform party and its platform It makes voters more thoughtful because they have to It makes voters more thoughtful because they have to

choose between the parties in order to votechoose between the parties in order to vote


Open v. Closed PrimaryOpen v. Closed Primary

Disadvantages of Closed PrimaryDisadvantages of Closed Primary Compromises the secrecy of the ballot Compromises the secrecy of the ballot

because voters have to make the party because voters have to make the party preference knownpreference known

tends to exclude independent voters from the tends to exclude independent voters from the nomination processnomination process


Primaries, Cont.Primaries, Cont.

Run-Off PrimaryRun-Off Primary --10 states --10 states Non-Partisan Primary—usually city Non-Partisan Primary—usually city

electionselections Evaluating PrimariesEvaluating Primaries

Can be confusingCan be confusing Turnout is lowTurnout is low Primary voters are more extreme and partisanPrimary voters are more extreme and partisan ExpensiveExpensive Divide the partyDivide the party


Nomination by PetitionNomination by Petition

Candidates for public office are Candidates for public office are nominated by petitions signed by a nominated by petitions signed by a required number of people. required number of people.

Used most widely at the local levelUsed most widely at the local level Also used by independent candidates Also used by independent candidates

to get on the ballot. to get on the ballot. State sets the number of signatures State sets the number of signatures

needed to get on the ballot.needed to get on the ballot.

Section 2sSection 2s

Section 2--ElectionsSection 2--Elections

Elections are Elections are pointless unless pointless unless they are open, free they are open, free and honest.and honest.


The Extent of Federal The Extent of Federal Control Control

Most election law is state lawMost election law is state law Federal control over state elections Federal control over state elections

Congress has the power to fix the times, place Congress has the power to fix the times, place and manner of holding elections for national and manner of holding elections for national government (House and Senate). government (House and Senate).

Congress has the power to control time for Congress has the power to control time for choosing presidential electors, to set the date choosing presidential electors, to set the date for casting electoral votes and to regulate for casting electoral votes and to regulate other aspects of Presidential race other aspects of Presidential race


Federal ControlFederal Control When are congressional elections?When are congressional elections?

First Tuesday after first Monday in November every First Tuesday after first Monday in November every even-numbered year. even-numbered year.

Presidential election is same date every fourth year.Presidential election is same date every fourth year.

Congress requires the use of secret ballot in Congress requires the use of secret ballot in all federal elections—Not in Constitution.all federal elections—Not in Constitution.

Congress has prohibited certain corrupt Congress has prohibited certain corrupt practices and passed laws to ensure the right to practices and passed laws to ensure the right to votevote


The Florida ProblemThe Florida Problem

What problem was it What problem was it designed to fix?designed to fix?


Help America Vote Act of 2002Help America Vote Act of 2002

What does it requires What does it requires states to do?states to do? Replace all lever-operated Replace all lever-operated

and punch-card voting and punch-card voting devices by 2006devices by 2006

Upgrade the administration Upgrade the administration of electionsof elections

Centralize and computerize Centralize and computerize voter registrationvoter registration

Allow provisional votingAllow provisional voting


Absentee and Early VotingAbsentee and Early Voting

Most states make provision for absentee Most states make provision for absentee voting by mail for those unable to get to their voting by mail for those unable to get to their regular polling places on election day.regular polling places on election day.

Absentee voting usually covers three groups Absentee voting usually covers three groups of potential voters.of potential voters. Those to ill or disable to make it their polling Those to ill or disable to make it their polling

placesplaces those who expect to be away from hone on those who expect to be away from hone on

election dayelection day Those in the armed forces.Those in the armed forces.

Some states allow early voting for any reason.Some states allow early voting for any reason.


The Coattail EffectThe Coattail Effect What is it?. What is it?. RIDING THE COATTAILS of RIDING THE COATTAILS of

other candidates on ballotsother candidates on ballots Most apparent in presidential Most apparent in presidential

elections, but can be seen in elections, but can be seen in state elections, as well. state elections, as well.

Reagan had a big one in 1980. Reagan had a big one in 1980. Reverse can be true, too. Reverse can be true, too. McGovern in 1972, AND McGovern in 1972, AND Goldwater in 1964, for example.Goldwater in 1964, for example.

No clear coat-tail effect in recent No clear coat-tail effect in recent

presidential elections.presidential elections.


Precincts and Polling Precincts and Polling PlacesPlaces

A A PrecinctPrecinct is a voting district is a voting district—is the smallest geographic —is the smallest geographic unit for the conduct of unit for the conduct of elections. elections. State law restricts their size. State law restricts their size.

500-1000 eligible voters.500-1000 eligible voters.

A Polling PlaceA Polling Place—Where —Where people cast their ballots in the people cast their ballots in the precinct.precinct.


The Ballot The Ballot Every state now requires a secret ballotEvery state now requires a secret ballot Constitution does not require Constitution does not require Why is it considered important?Why is it considered important? Australian Ballot. Four Features:Australian Ballot. Four Features:

Printed at public expensePrinted at public expense Lists the names of all candidates in an Lists the names of all candidates in an

electionelection Given out at the pollsGiven out at the polls Voted in secretVoted in secret


The BallotThe Ballot

Two TypesTwo Types Office-GroupOffice-Group Party-ColumnParty-Column

Which type do political parties like better?Which type do political parties like better? Sample ballotsSample ballots Ballot fatigueBallot fatigue


Party Column Ballot Party Column Ballot


Office Group BallotOffice Group Ballot


Section 3—Money and the Section 3—Money and the Election Process Election Process

The great The great paradox of paradox of modern elections: modern elections: Money is a Money is a corrupting corrupting influence but influence but candidates can’t candidates can’t do without it. do without it.


Campaign Spending Campaign Spending AmountsAmounts

In 2004 the cost of all elections was 2 In 2004 the cost of all elections was 2 BillionBillion

House and Senate Campaigns cost 1 House and Senate Campaigns cost 1 billion in 2000billion in 2000

Money is required for mailings, campaign Money is required for mailings, campaign staff, radio ads, web sites, buttons, etc.staff, radio ads, web sites, buttons, etc.

Biggest single item?Biggest single item? TV advertising—Runs approximately 150,000 TV advertising—Runs approximately 150,000

for 30 seconds in prime time.for 30 seconds in prime time.


Sources of Campaign FundingSources of Campaign Funding

Private GiversPrivate Givers—have always been the major —have always been the major source of funding.source of funding. Small ContributorsSmall Contributors Wealthier persons Wealthier persons Candidates themselves Candidates themselves Special interest groups/Special interest groups/Political Action CommitteesPolitical Action Committees

((PACs)PACs). . Temporary organizationsTemporary organizations

Fund-raising activities by candidates and Fund-raising activities by candidates and partiesparties

Public fundingPublic funding—State and Federal funds given —State and Federal funds given to candidates under certain circumstances.to candidates under certain circumstances.


Regulating Campaign Regulating Campaign FinanceFinance

Federal Election Federal Election Campaign ActCampaign Act

Federal Election Federal Election CommissionCommission

Bi-Partisan Bi-Partisan Campaign Reform Campaign Reform Act of 2002Act of 2002..

Citizens United 2010Citizens United 2010



The agency set up in 1974 by Congress to The agency set up in 1974 by Congress to administer federal election laws. administer federal election laws.

Is an independent agency in the executive Is an independent agency in the executive department. department. President can’t fire members President can’t fire members Members appointed by president and Members appointed by president and

confirmed by congress. confirmed by congress.



Laws overseen fall into four Laws overseen fall into four areas:areas: Timely disclosure of campaign Timely disclosure of campaign

finance datafinance data limits on contributionslimits on contributions limits on expenditureslimits on expenditures public funding for several parts of public funding for several parts of

the Presidential election processthe Presidential election process


Disclosure RequirementsDisclosure Requirements No gifts in the name of another.No gifts in the name of another. Cash gifts limited to $100.Cash gifts limited to $100. No gifts from foreign sources.No gifts from foreign sources. All advertising must bear the name of the candidate.All advertising must bear the name of the candidate. All contributions must be made through a single All contributions must be made through a single

committee.committee. Only the committee can spend the money.Only the committee can spend the money. All contributions above $200 must be identified by source All contributions above $200 must be identified by source

and accounted for.and accounted for. All spending over $200 must be accounted for.All spending over $200 must be accounted for. All contributes above $5000 must be reported to FEC All contributes above $5000 must be reported to FEC

within 48 hours. Also contributions over $1000 in the within 48 hours. Also contributions over $1000 in the last 20 days of campaign.last 20 days of campaign.

Any independent committee spending more than $250 Any independent committee spending more than $250 on behalf of a candidate must also file with FECon behalf of a candidate must also file with FEC


Limits on ContributionsLimits on Contributions

Individuals limited to Individuals limited to $2000$2000 to any one to any one candidate in the primary and the same in candidate in the primary and the same in the general election.the general election.

Limited to $5000 a year to single PAC and Limited to $5000 a year to single PAC and $25,000$25,000 to a national party. to a national party.

Total contribution limit to candidates and Total contribution limit to candidates and PACs is PACs is 95,000, 95,000, during any election cycle during any election cycle (the two years from one general election to (the two years from one general election to the next one).the next one).


The Role of PACsThe Role of PACs

Neither corporations nor labor unions can Neither corporations nor labor unions can contribute to any candidate running for a federal contribute to any candidate running for a federal office. office.

PACs are the political arms of special-interest PACs are the political arms of special-interest groups—business, labor, professional, cause, groups—business, labor, professional, cause, and other organizations that try to influence and other organizations that try to influence government policies.government policies.

Clout of PACs comes primarily from their ability Clout of PACs comes primarily from their ability to raise campaign money and their willingness to to raise campaign money and their willingness to give it out.give it out.

Are more than 4400 PACs today—Are more than 4400 PACs today—


The Role of PACsThe Role of PACs

PACs get money from contributors and PACs get money from contributors and members of the sponsoring organization. members of the sponsoring organization.

Are usually focused on narrow issues.Are usually focused on narrow issues. Distribute money to candidates Distribute money to candidates

sympathetic to their views OR have a sympathetic to their views OR have a good chance of winning. good chance of winning.

Spent more than $600 Mil. in 2004.Spent more than $600 Mil. in 2004. PACs are limited to $5000 to any single PACs are limited to $5000 to any single

federal candidate in an election, but they federal candidate in an election, but they can contribute to as many candidates as can contribute to as many candidates as they want. $15000 limit to parties.they want. $15000 limit to parties.


Limits on ExpendituresLimits on Expenditures

Buckley v. Valeo--Buckley v. Valeo-- limits on spending abridge limits on spending abridge free speech.free speech.

Thus cannot limit:Thus cannot limit: how much candidates spendhow much candidates spend how much of their own money candidates spendhow much of their own money candidates spend how much third parties spend to promote a candidate.how much third parties spend to promote a candidate.

However, Presidential contenders who accept However, Presidential contenders who accept federal subsidies ARE subject to limits on their federal subsidies ARE subject to limits on their campaign spending. That is part of the deal.campaign spending. That is part of the deal.


Public Funding of Presidential Public Funding of Presidential CampaignsCampaigns

Fed. Election Campaign Act set up the Fed. Election Campaign Act set up the Presidential Election Campaign FundPresidential Election Campaign Fund. .

Money is used every four years to finance Money is used every four years to finance 1) the preconvention campaigns, 2) the 1) the preconvention campaigns, 2) the national conventions and 3) the national conventions and 3) the presidential election campaigns.presidential election campaigns.

Money is administered by the FECMoney is administered by the FEC


Public Funding of Presidential Public Funding of Presidential CampaignsCampaigns

Pre-convention PeriodPre-convention Period Primaries are funded by money raised by candidates Primaries are funded by money raised by candidates

plus money received from the FEC.plus money received from the FEC. To be eligible for the public funds and candidate mustTo be eligible for the public funds and candidate must

• raise at least $100,000 in contributions from INDIVIDUALSraise at least $100,000 in contributions from INDIVIDUALS• In lots of $5000 in each of at least 20 statesIn lots of $5000 in each of at least 20 states• Built from donations of not more than $250Built from donations of not more than $250

If meet this test, FEC will match the first $250 of each If meet this test, FEC will match the first $250 of each individual donation up to a total of half. Does not individual donation up to a total of half. Does not match contributions from PACs or political match contributions from PACs or political organizations.organizations.


Funding Presidential Funding Presidential CampaignsCampaigns

Each major party nominee automatically Each major party nominee automatically qualifies for a public subsidy-- 74.6 Mil. In qualifies for a public subsidy-- 74.6 Mil. In 20042004

If the candidate accepts the money:If the candidate accepts the money: Can spend no more than the amount of the Can spend no more than the amount of the

subsidysubsidy Can not accept campaign funds from any Can not accept campaign funds from any

other source.other source.


Funding Presidential Funding Presidential CampaignsCampaigns

For a minor party to qualify for public For a minor party to qualify for public funds, the minor party must either funds, the minor party must either 1) have at least five percent of the popular 1) have at least five percent of the popular

vote in the last presidential election orvote in the last presidential election or 2) win at least that much of the vote in the 2) win at least that much of the vote in the

election itself.election itself. Very few minor parties meet this threshold Very few minor parties meet this threshold No minor party met this requirement in 2000 No minor party met this requirement in 2000

or 2004.or 2004.


Soft MoneySoft Money

Nature of the problemNature of the problem Bipartisan Campaign Bipartisan Campaign

Reform Act of 2002Reform Act of 2002 Limits soft-money Limits soft-money

donations to political donations to political partiesparties

Limits what parties Limits what parties can spend on can spend on campaignscampaigns

Section 1—The Nominating Process The Electoral Process Chapter 7.

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Transcript of Section 1—The Nominating Process The Electoral Process Chapter 7.