Unit V Lesson 4

Presidential Elections Part II

Essential Questions:

• How are rules or laws that govern the election process beneficial to the citizens of America?

• What are the most important factors in determining the outcome of an election?

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“Primary”

“Incumbent presidents usually run unopposed

during the primary process”

DemocraticPrimary

“Incumbent”

“Unopposed”

1“Unopposed”

2008

“Primary”

2012

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Step 2 in the Presidential Election Cycle: Party Nominating Conventions

“Swing States”

Do There?

Purposes of National Party Conventions:

*FORMALLY accept the Party’s nomination (most important)

“Nomination”

“Nominee”

*Unify the Party

*Showcase the nominee’s “Running Mate” (Pick for Possible Vice-President)

“Romney/Ryan 2012

“Running Mate”

“Running Mate”

Young- OldBlack -White

Mid-West-EastMale – Female (oops!)

Moderate -LiberalOutsider -Experienced

“Balance the Ticket”

2008

*FORMALLY accept the Party’s nomination

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGUHyPHmu0E “Nominee”

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Step 3 in the Presidential Election Cycle: The General Election

“General Election”

“Nominee” “Nominee”

“General Election”

Events in the lead up to the general election:

*Campaigning

*Political ads

*Debates

*Fundraising

“General Election”

Today the most important function of a party’s national convention is to:

A. Formally nominate the party’s candidate for president and vice-presidentB. Develop a strategy for the general election C. Choose the party’s leaders in the House and SenateD. Name a new chair for the national committee

When selecting a vice-presidential candidate, a presidential nominee is usually concerned

primarily with choosing a running mate who:

A. Has significant personal wealth

B. Adds balance and appeal to the national ticket

C. Comes from the same ideological wing of the party as the President

D. Can effectively preside over the U.S. Senate

Homework!!!Textbook Pages: 192-208

Graphic Novel Pages: (None)