SSCG8 The student will demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national elections.

b. Describe the nomination and election process.c. Examine campaign funding and spending.

EQ: What is the basic purpose of a presidential primary election?

The Electoral Process

In the U. S., the election process occurs in two steps:

1. Nomination—where the choice of candidates are narrowed down to 1 per party

2. General election—where voters make the final choice of officeholder

Nominating:

Self-Announcement: “throwing your hat in the

ring”○ Term coined by Teddy

Roosevelt in 1912

Primary Elections and Caucuses

Helps candidates to become known by the public

○ elections are held by political parties ○ the party picks the candidate for the

general election

A caucus is a meeting of members of a particular political party

mostly used at local and state levels○ ex. Iowa caucus

Primaries can be open or closed

○ Open primaries: any qualified voter can cast a ballot

○ Closed primaries: only declared party members can cast ballots.

Nominating Convention

Official meeting of party delegates to select the party’s presidential candidate

Held in the summer before the general election

The convention develops the party’s platform

Campaigning

Purpose is to get the candidate’s message out to the voter

○ an effort to influence potential voters

○ use of propaganda to sway voters

Campaign Funding Money plays key

role in politics

3 basic sources: Most of $ from Private

sources; ○ Ex. Individuals,

families, personal funds.

PACs

Public subsidies○ Ex. Federal matching

fund program

2 types of campaign funds Hard money: donations must

be reported to FEC and have $ limits.

Soft money: donations given to local/state organizations for “party-building activities○ Ex. Ads, voter registration.

Qualifications for President

Formal Qualifications:Must be 35 Years Old

Must be a natural born citizen

Must be a resident of the US for at least 14 years