Transcript Political Process

Political Process
Chapters
16-17-18
What is Politics?

Attempt by an
individual or
group to
influence the
government
What Influences Your
Political Beliefs/Values?



Family
School
Media



Propaganda
Friends
Personal
Experiences
What is a Political Party?

Organization
of people that
share similar
viewpoints
regarding
public policy
Types of Party Systems

One-Party


Two-Party


One party exists. China. No
opposition.
Power shared between 2 major
parties. Most common type. U.S. and
Canada. Voters given a choice
Multi-party


Variety of choices. France & Italy.
Can Be Very Unstable!
History of Political Parties


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VH
46Ogc3UN0&feature=related
First Political Parties





Federalists & Anti-federalists
1800 - T. Jefferson Founded the
Democratic-Republican Party
1828 - A. Jackson Begins the
Democratic Party
National Republicans (Whigs)
1854 - Republican Party Emerges

Opposed Slavery
Party Platforms
Democrats
Bigger Govnt.
Social Programs
Higher Taxes
Less Defense
Incentives for
workers
Middle-Class
“Liberals”








Republicans
Less Govnt.
Less Taxes
Fewer Social
Programs
Strong Defense
Pro – Business
owner
Professionals
“Conservatives”








Political Profile Scale
40
0
20
Liberal
Democrat
“To the Left”
Conservative
Moderate
Republican
“To the Right”
Third Parties Influence



Single Issue, Ideological and
Splinter
May pull votes away from one of
the major parties – 1912 Election
Difficult to win



Money
Recognition
Ballot Issues
Functions of Political
Parties

Nominate
Candidates


Caucus
Primary election


Organize the
Government


Open and Closed
Patronage Jobs
Act as
“watchdog”
Ch. 17 -The Electoral Process
Voting Requirements

18 years old




26th
Amendment
U.S. Citizen
Resident 30
days prior to
election
No Felonies
* See Registering to Vote Pamphlet
Voting in the U.S.




U.S. suffering
from voter
“apathy”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWlrhYJt28
Reasons for
voter apathy?
Who is the
typical “voter?”
male, 45 to 60 years old, with a household income between $50,000 and $75,000. He is
a week and is moderate on abortion issues, according to news network entrance and e
ate, female, college-graduate, married, 50 to 59 years old, who attends church rarely o
between $50,000 and $75,000.
Compiled from news network entrance and exit polls and Washington Post-ABC News polls. | PHOTOS: Linda Davidson - The Washington Post - January 06, 2008
Kinds of Elections




Partisan vs NonPartisan
Elections
General Elections
Primary Elections
Special Elections
Ballot Issues

Initiative


Public proposes
new law
Referendum

Voters must
approve a
proposed law
What is Propaganda?


Techniques
used to
persuade
people of their
political opinion
or beliefs
Media most
common source
Types of Propaganda Used







Name-calling
Glittering Generality
Bandwagon
Testimonial
Transfer
Card Stacking
Plain Folks
Other Methods used to
Persuade the Voter






Billboards
Bumper Stickers/Buttons
Signs/Newspaper Advertisements
Speeches
30/60 Second TV Advertisement
Radio
What is the Electoral College?



Winning Slate
from Respective
State
Votes Sent to
Washington - Vice
Pres. Counts
270/538 to win!
Why was an
Electoral College
Created?

Framers
Distrusted the
Average Voter


Felt that the
population was
not educated
enough!
Really just a
Formality Now
How Does It Work Choosing the President

Slate of Electors Chosen by Popular
Vote




Each Major Party Chooses Their “Electors”
Number Determined by # of
Representatives and Senators for each State
 Illinois - 19 House + 2 Senators = 21
votes!
Popular Vote in November, Electors Cast
Votes in State Capitol on Dec. 16
Votes sent to Senate in Washington D.C.
What if There is No
Winner?

House elects
President



Occurred Twice
1800 and 1824
Senate chooses
VP
Criticisms of System





Does not Express Will of the Voter
Does not Represent Popular Vote
“Winner take all System”
Can Elect a President who Receives
Fewer Popular Votes Than
Opponent
Smaller States Left out of Political
Process
Possible Reform Measures




Abolish System
Direct Election
Choose Electors
Differently
Base Vote on %
of Popular Vote
Change would
Require
Amendment!
- Interest Groups – Ch.18




“Groups of people organized to
promote the interests or
concerns of their members”
Try to Influence Public Policy
Usually share One Common
Idea or Belief
Ex. MADD, AFL-CIO, IFT
Functions of Interest Groups


Influence
Elections
Lobbying


New
Restrictions
Going to
Court
Political Action Committees





Financial Arm
of Interest
Groups
Contribute $ to
Candidates
Controversial
“Soft Money”
Regulated by
FEC