AND THE STUDENT’S GUIDE TO THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE

Intro to Political Parties

Political Parties 101

Political Party- group of people similar opinions on how government should function who attempt to control the government

Not established in the Constitution, but have become essential in how we function

What each party supports has flip-flopped several times. Confusing much?

Democrats: The Party of the People

Originally started with Thomas Jefferson in 1792 Against powerful government

Today- in general! Big government- powerful and involved- defending

people’s liberty Liberal on social issues

Republicans: The Grand Old Party

Started in 1854 as an anti-slavery partyToday- in general!

Limited Government Conservative on social issues

Conservative vs. Liberal

Conservative Go slow! Things are pretty good

the way they are Tradition If you rush me, I’ll

resist

Liberal Hurry Up! Things need to change Open to change If you slow me down,

I’ll attack

Progressive vs. Radical

Progressive Evolutionary change Use the system Peaceful Protest We’ve got time Civil Rights

Radical Revolutionary change The system IS the

problem By any means

necessary Time is the enemy Human Rights

Exit ticket part 1

At the top of your sheet, make a T chart, labeling one side democrats, the other republicans List at least 2 characteristics of each group

Underneath, write a few sentences explaining which group you agree with most- give at least 1 specific reason If you aren’t sure, explain your confusion with at least

1 specific example.

Electing a President

Road to the Presidency Candidates are announced- lots of planning and party

endorsement Primaries- methods are decided by the states- voting

within parties Primary times are staggered

After primaries- Republicans vs. Democrats

Electing a President cont.

The Electoral College A system established in the Constitution in which

citizens vote for a party’s set of electors who in turn vote for the President

Remember- Union of States!

Electing a President cont.

States are worth as many “points” as they have electors (or districts). Each state is grouped into congressional district

based on population. States can gain or lose districts (and thus electors) as population changes.

Arizona will have 11 electors (9 districts/representatives and 2 Senators) in the 2016 election, and will thus get 11 electoral votes

Remember, they have capped the number of electoral college votes, thus if one state gains, another loses

Electing a President cont.

Electors from each state meet on Dec. 12th and cast their votes (assumed to be the ones dictated by the party).

Wait a minute, Dec 12? Isn’t the President elected in November?

Although “who won” is usually known by the night of election day, the President isn’t technically elected until January 6th when the President of the Senate tallies the votes

That’s why he’s called the President Elect until he is inaugurated.

Electing a President cont.

All the States Total: 538 votes 435 Reps/Districts, 100 Senators, 3 for DC (23rd

Amendment). Candidate needs 270 votes to win

What happens if no one gets 270? The House of Representatives picks the President-

voting by state, not population; 1 vote per state.

Flaws in the Electoral College

Danger that the candidate that wins the popular vote will not win the election Winner takes all for electoral votes- even if it’s close.

No requirement for electors to vote according to popular vote It has happened 11 times, but it has never affected the

outcome of the election…but it couldIf no majority is reached, President is

chosen in the House of Reps. If they can’t reach a majority, there might be no

President by inauguration day.

Exit ticket part 2

Look back at your notes and summarize the electoral college system in 2-3 sentences

What’s wrong with this system- list at least 1 flaw

When you are finished, put your name on your paper and turn it in to the drop off box on your way out