III. Political Parties + Elections

III. Pol Parties + ElectionsIII. Pol Parties + Elections 11

III. Political PartiesIII. Political Parties+ Elections+ Elections


A.A. Purpose of Political Parties Purpose of Political Parties

1. A Beacon in the fog of politics - a group of “like-1. A Beacon in the fog of politics - a group of “like-minded individuals” whose purpose is to gain minded individuals” whose purpose is to gain control of gov’t and make policy.control of gov’t and make policy.

2. Components: 3 headed political GIANT:2. Components: 3 headed political GIANT:a. Party in the electorate - voluntary membershipa. Party in the electorate - voluntary membershipb. Party organization - Nat’l, state and local day to b. Party organization - Nat’l, state and local day to

day operations whose goal is to select day operations whose goal is to select candidates, building platforms, win elections. candidates, building platforms, win elections.

c. Party in gov’t - elected officials - party or power c. Party in gov’t - elected officials - party or power elites who sometimes agree on policy or the elites who sometimes agree on policy or the making of policy.making of policy.

3. Political Ideology3. Political Ideology


4. Party History 4. Party History

a. US Parties typically been two-party - a. US Parties typically been two-party - offering American voters a choice. . .which is offering American voters a choice. . .which is what democracy is all about!what democracy is all about!

Historically - Federalists v. anti-federalistsHistorically - Federalists v. anti-federalists

evolved into Democrats v. Republicans evolved into Democrats v. Republicans although . . . although . . .


b. History of Pol Parties b. History of Pol Parties History of Party development of Party development

1. Why have Democrats been predominately 1. Why have Democrats been predominately from the Southern states?from the Southern states?

2. Why did the Republican and Democrats 2. Why did the Republican and Democrats split?split?

3. Why have Democrats, who came from anti-3. Why have Democrats, who came from anti-federalist roots and state gov’t idealism, federalist roots and state gov’t idealism, now favor Liberal causes?now favor Liberal causes?


5. . . . 2+ Party system5. . . . 2+ Party system

3rd parties have popped up3rd parties have popped up

a. ideological - Socialists, Independentsa. ideological - Socialists, Independents

b. Single issue - free soilers, Greenpeaceb. Single issue - free soilers, Greenpeace

c. Economic protests - greenback partyc. Economic protests - greenback party

d. splinter - bull Moosed. splinter - bull Moose


5. Republicans and Democrats have switched in 5. Republicans and Democrats have switched in dominance since 1800, referred to as dominance since 1800, referred to as

re-alignment. Since 1968, era of re-alignment. Since 1968, era of “Divided gov’t. . .“Divided gov’t. . .” ” one party runs the Exec Branch, the other one party runs the Exec Branch, the other controls Congress . . .which could create controls Congress . . .which could create legislative gridlock. legislative gridlock.

6. All parties promotes the same purpose:6. All parties promotes the same purpose:a. pick Candidates via a nominationa. pick Candidates via a nominationb. runs campaignsb. runs campaignsc. establish an image. . .c. establish an image. . .d. articulate policiesd. articulate policiese. coordinate policymakinge. coordinate policymakingf. compete for votesf. compete for votes


(1) Down’s Rational Choice theory states . . .(1) Down’s Rational Choice theory states . . .

(a) voters want certain issues addressed and (a) voters want certain issues addressed and adopted by gov’t sooooooooadopted by gov’t soooooooo

(b) parties want to win office byyyyyyyyy(b) parties want to win office byyyyyyyyy

selecting policies that are widely favored. . . selecting policies that are widely favored. . . by the populous. . .nobody votes for by the populous. . .nobody votes for losers. . .only for winners! losers. . .only for winners!

(c) centrist policies usually win. . .don’t drift (c) centrist policies usually win. . .don’t drift too far from moderate proposals.too far from moderate proposals.


7. Is the party beacon getting 7. Is the party beacon getting dimmer. . .dimmer. . .

a.a. Many voters have moved to the middle of Many voters have moved to the middle of party identification - a dealignment of party identification - a dealignment of party ID. party ID.

b.b. 2000 election had over 40% claiming 2000 election had over 40% claiming independent monikers. . .w/ Democrats monikers. . .w/ Democrats losing more ID than Republicans. losing more ID than Republicans.

c.c. table 8.1 pg 240. Many people split table 8.1 pg 240. Many people split tickets! tickets!


Thesis statementsThesis statementsThesis: Define Dealignment. Explain why it has Thesis: Define Dealignment. Explain why it has

occurred and how it has impacted political party occurred and how it has impacted political party identification.identification.

Thesis two: Define Divided Gov’t. Explain how Thesis two: Define Divided Gov’t. Explain how dealignment encourages this type of gov’t by dealignment encourages this type of gov’t by describing how the electorate votes. describing how the electorate votes.

Thesis 2: Compare and contrast the differences Thesis 2: Compare and contrast the differences between Dealignment and Realignment. Which between Dealignment and Realignment. Which one is more apt to lead to Divided Government? one is more apt to lead to Divided Government?


B.B. Party machines – The Party machines – The Hunt for the right Hunt for the right candidate? candidate? each state manages its own party operation - a each state manages its own party operation - a

decentralized and fragmented system. decentralized and fragmented system. 1. Patronage dominates - It’s the good boy/girl 1. Patronage dominates - It’s the good boy/girl

club. .Party regulars become gov’t appointees IF . club. .Party regulars become gov’t appointees IF . . .. .

2. Finding the right candidates takes parties through 2. Finding the right candidates takes parties through “grass roots” democracy, until the inTERparty “grass roots” democracy, until the inTERparty campaign begins. It seems to last foooooooor campaign begins. It seems to last foooooooor evvvvverrrrr to find the right candidates! evvvvverrrrr to find the right candidates!

a. How does one come across a potential party a. How does one come across a potential party elite? Be a party regular! and hold a public office elite? Be a party regular! and hold a public office at some level - US Congressperson or state Guvat some level - US Congressperson or state Guv


Intraparty competition beginsIntraparty competition begins

b. goal- amass enough delegates at the nat’l b. goal- amass enough delegates at the nat’l convention to win the NOMINATION! For your convention to win the NOMINATION! For your party. All 50 states run their own shows! It starts party. All 50 states run their own shows! It starts at . . . .at . . . .

(1). The caucus (12 states use this road) finds (1). The caucus (12 states use this road) finds delegates for the next level. . . IOWA precinct to delegates for the next level. . . IOWA precinct to county to state to national convention, and also county to state to national convention, and also begins platform development. OR begins platform development. OR

(2).Primaries weed out the candidates, not (2).Primaries weed out the candidates, not parties. . .you can win w/o party parties. . .you can win w/o party endorsement.. .but it is difficult. GOAL: Get your endorsement.. .but it is difficult. GOAL: Get your primary scheduled early? Right Nevada? primary scheduled early? Right Nevada?


Types of Primaries. . . .Types of Primaries. . . .(a) closed - only party faithful can vote(a) closed - only party faithful can vote

(b) Open - You select which camp to vote in(b) Open - You select which camp to vote in

(c) Blanket - all parties run on one ballot. - - (c) Blanket - all parties run on one ballot. - -

Supreme Court said it was unconstitutional, Supreme Court said it was unconstitutional, violated basic function of political party - to violated basic function of political party - to choose candidates - Democratic party v. choose candidates - Democratic party v. Jones.Jones.


(d) GOAL- you win the primary, you get the (d) GOAL- you win the primary, you get the number of delegates the state law allocates. number of delegates the state law allocates. Some are proportional, some winner take Some are proportional, some winner take all. . . (Super Tuesday in February could all. . . (Super Tuesday in February could end the speculation quickly as state’s front end the speculation quickly as state’s front load their primary schedule to gain load their primary schedule to gain importance, including Nevada!importance, including Nevada!

(e) get the BIG MOo o o o!(e) get the BIG MOo o o o!(f) After all the primaries - tally up your (f) After all the primaries - tally up your

delegates and a majority gives you the delegates and a majority gives you the nomination. nomination.


C. Nat’l levelC. Nat’l level- attempting to manage 50 states’operations- attempting to manage 50 states’operations1. Nat’l convention - select presidential + VP 1. Nat’l convention - select presidential + VP

candidates, sets platform, endorses all party candidates, sets platform, endorses all party nominees for other offices! Ho Hum nominees for other offices! Ho Hum

2. National committee2. National committee3. national chairperson3. national chairperson4. Campaign highway. Goal: Goal - form enough 4. Campaign highway. Goal: Goal - form enough

coalitions ( of SIGS) to win the election coalitions ( of SIGS) to win the election INTERparty eventINTERparty event

(a) dominate the media (a) dominate the media (b) vanquish your opponent via attack ads!(b) vanquish your opponent via attack ads!


(c) spend lots of money.(c) spend lots of money.““money is the mother’s milk of politics”money is the mother’s milk of politics”(1) FEC established in 1974 following H20GATE scandal. (1) FEC established in 1974 following H20GATE scandal. ••gives public financing to candidates.gives public financing to candidates.••limits presidential candidates expenditures to $80 million per limits presidential candidates expenditures to $80 million per

candidatecandidate• • requires disclosure of all expenses.requires disclosure of all expenses.• • limits candidate’s contributions to $1000 (now $2,300). limits candidate’s contributions to $1000 (now $2,300). ••soft money allows “party” contributions but McCain + Feingold soft money allows “party” contributions but McCain + Feingold

legislation stopped soft money until 2010’s Supreme Court legislation stopped soft money until 2010’s Supreme Court Case Citizen’s United. . . . Case Citizen’s United. . . .

••PACs can spend “unlimited amounts” (Buckley v. Valeo) PACs can spend “unlimited amounts” (Buckley v. Valeo) “indirectly” . . . .Power video. “indirectly” . . . .Power video.

• • -Voluntary contributions -Voluntary contributions + Super Pacs+ Super Pacs: :

The milk spillage . . .$The milk spillage . . .$Who’s Giving Who’s Giving Who’s Getting Who’s Getting WhereWhere

1.1.Corps/Unions NonprofitsCorps/Unions Nonprofits AdsAds

Citizen UnitedCitizen United 527’s 527’s ““

Unlimited $$ Super PacsUnlimited $$ Super Pacs

2. Individuals2. Individuals Superpacs Superpacs AdsAds

Unlimited $$Unlimited $$

NY Times HoNY Times Ho Fed PacsFed Pacs CandidatesCandidates

$5000$5000 $5000$5000

Natl PartiesNatl Parties Ads Ads

$2400$2400 Unlimited ? Unlimited ?III. Pol Parties + ElectionsIII. Pol Parties + Elections 1616


D.D. Divided Gov’t - Divided Gov’t -5. Today- many constituents are pulling away from 5. Today- many constituents are pulling away from

party ID’s -- dealignment- - and this is leading to party ID’s -- dealignment- - and this is leading to 1. Many states - 1946-85 had one party control 1. Many states - 1946-85 had one party control bothboth

Gov + Leg; 2001 dropped to 42 percent-Gov + Leg; 2001 dropped to 42 percent-

a) Minnesota had a three way split!a) Minnesota had a three way split!

b) Voters have become indifferent! --Dealignmentb) Voters have become indifferent! --Dealignment

Where are voters going. . .Where are voters going. . .

2. Third Parties - What do they represent?2. Third Parties - What do they represent?

Minnesota’s Reform Party is a prime example-Minnesota’s Reform Party is a prime example-

Jesse’s Revolution: Jesse’s Revolution:


a). Jesse’s Platforma). Jesse’s Platform

(1) brought left and right wing (1) brought left and right wing philosophies. . .pro choice and pro-capital philosophies. . .pro choice and pro-capital punishmentpunishment

(2) brought out new voter. . .18-26(2) brought out new voter. . .18-26(3) manipulated the media to his (3) manipulated the media to his

advantage. . .a lot of free publicity advantage. . .a lot of free publicity (4) Other parties ran half-hearted campaign.(4) Other parties ran half-hearted campaign.(5) don’t need a majority to win. . .need a (5) don’t need a majority to win. . .need a

plurality (SMP)plurality (SMP)6) Used Internet shortcut. . .fundraising, 6) Used Internet shortcut. . .fundraising,

deliver the message, avoid the media. deliver the message, avoid the media.


b) . Ralph Nader + Ross b) . Ralph Nader + Ross PerotPerotNader “stole” Al Gore’s left wing thunder in 2000 Nader “stole” Al Gore’s left wing thunder in 2000

election. . .It was that close! and . . . Ross Perot took election. . .It was that close! and . . . Ross Perot took away of George Bush Sr’s thunder in 1992 when Bill away of George Bush Sr’s thunder in 1992 when Bill Clinton won. Clinton won. In the ’04 election, was a 3In the ’04 election, was a 3rdrd party an issue? party an issue?

c). Third parties have an uphill fight. . .c). Third parties have an uphill fight. . .(1) Single member plurality voting system (winner take all) (1) Single member plurality voting system (winner take all)

system favors two parties. . .system favors two parties. . .and Jesse is only 1 governor of 50and Jesse is only 1 governor of 50(2) Two Parties have organization. . . Nader was on the (2) Two Parties have organization. . . Nader was on the

ballot in only 43 states. Only seven third party ballot in only 43 states. Only seven third party candidates in history have made it on all the states’ candidates in history have made it on all the states’ ballots. Organizations can raise $$$$ballots. Organizations can raise $$$$

(3) Two parties can moderate views to enhance voters. (3) Two parties can moderate views to enhance voters.


E.E. Elections - Elections -Legitimizing the political process Legitimizing the political process 1. Elections provide for:1. Elections provide for:a.a. Institutionalizing the political process. All forms of political Institutionalizing the political process. All forms of political

participation can end here ..,participation can end here ..,Voooooooootingggggggg - Voooooooootingggggggg - b. Access to political power w/o violence. . Ballot instead of b. Access to political power w/o violence. . Ballot instead of

bullets. The way to choose the right candidates. . . bullets. The way to choose the right candidates. . . c. Guiding policy direction - either by selecting a new person c. Guiding policy direction - either by selecting a new person

or byor by(1)(1) initiatives (Put IT on a ballot) collect the signaturesinitiatives (Put IT on a ballot) collect the signatures(2)(2) or referendums (vote for it) casting the vote . or referendums (vote for it) casting the vote . 2. 2000 Presidential Election was one of a kind. . . 2. 2000 Presidential Election was one of a kind. . . Who chose the winner. . .Answer: Popular vote???? Who chose the winner. . .Answer: Popular vote????

Electoral college???? Supreme Court ????. . .the Electoral college???? Supreme Court ????. . .the people???? or all of the above!people???? or all of the above!


a. A campaign of Gore’s future proposals v. a. A campaign of Gore’s future proposals v. Bush’s attempt to “re-align” country around Bush’s attempt to “re-align” country around conservative proposals conservative proposals

b. media polls declared it was “too close to b. media polls declared it was “too close to call” and it wascall” and it was

c. What do we know: c. What do we know:

(1) Gore won the urban areas. (1) Gore won the urban areas.

(2) Bush won the burbs(2) Bush won the burbs


(3) Gore won a majority of women and black voters(3) Gore won a majority of women and black voters

(4) Bush carried male vote decisively.(4) Bush carried male vote decisively.

(5) Media would not declare a winner until Florida (5) Media would not declare a winner until Florida vote was “legally” recounted because the spread vote was “legally” recounted because the spread between the two voters was less than 1/10th of between the two voters was less than 1/10th of one percent. Never in US political history was it one percent. Never in US political history was it ever this close except in Hawaii.ever this close except in Hawaii.

Florida has six million voters. . .Bush’s eventual Florida has six million voters. . .Bush’s eventual winning spread was less than 1,000 winning spread was less than 1,000


(6.) Florida Supreme Court upheld Gore’s (6.) Florida Supreme Court upheld Gore’s attempt to recount ballots in a way to show attempt to recount ballots in a way to show the “clear intention of the voter”. the “clear intention of the voter”.

(7.) US Supreme Ct ruled in Bush v. Gore that (7.) US Supreme Ct ruled in Bush v. Gore that although a recount was legal, the same although a recount was legal, the same procedure had to be used in ALL counties, procedure had to be used in ALL counties, not only those in question. . . not only those in question. . .

. .


AND there was not enough time to accomplish AND there was not enough time to accomplish that mission B4 December 12, when the that mission B4 December 12, when the electoral college was to meet. . .soooooo electoral college was to meet. . .soooooo Bush won Florida w/ 271 electoral votes to Bush won Florida w/ 271 electoral votes to Gore’s 269. . .Gore’s 269. . .

(8) only the 4th time the winner of the popular (8) only the 4th time the winner of the popular vote lost an electionvote lost an election


(9) What did we learn from this process?(9) What did we learn from this process?

(a) need to refine the voting process. Many races (a) need to refine the voting process. Many races very close and the machinery designed to count very close and the machinery designed to count the votes is ooooooold in too many states --- and the votes is ooooooold in too many states --- and it is a State problem.it is a State problem.

(b) Media can’t determine the winners, the voters (b) Media can’t determine the winners, the voters must. Should Negative ads be allowed? (Living must. Should Negative ads be allowed? (Living candidate analysis) candidate analysis)

(c) Third parties can be a major factor in close (c) Third parties can be a major factor in close elections. . .Nader’s Green party garnered 2.7% elections. . .Nader’s Green party garnered 2.7% of the vote and 97,000 in Florida. . .200 times of the vote and 97,000 in Florida. . .200 times more than the 537 vote margin separating Bush more than the 537 vote margin separating Bush and Gore. and Gore.


(d) Does the electoral college need an overhaul?(d) Does the electoral college need an overhaul?

((1)) Bush carried the Mountain West and ((1)) Bush carried the Mountain West and South... Gore the NE and Pacific coast South... Gore the NE and Pacific coast

((2)) Directly voting a winner takes power away ((2)) Directly voting a winner takes power away from smaller states (at least 12 of them).from smaller states (at least 12 of them).

((3)) Will 38 states overrule an institution that has ((3)) Will 38 states overrule an institution that has been in place for over 200 years?been in place for over 200 years?


F. ’04 electionF. ’04 election1.1. Polls showed election too close to call but:Polls showed election too close to call but:(a)(a) GW won handily with 286 electoral votes GW won handily with 286 electoral votes

and an overwhelming popular vote. . .and an overwhelming popular vote. . .Biggest popular vote win since the 1980’s.Biggest popular vote win since the 1980’s.Maps showed red all over except in California Maps showed red all over except in California

and the NE and. . . and the NE and. . . Minnesota. Minnesota. (b) Bush also pulled larger wins in House and (b) Bush also pulled larger wins in House and

Senate, which disappeared in ’06 election.Senate, which disappeared in ’06 election.Did “re-alignment” occur? Did “re-alignment” occur?


G. A bigger issue. . . G. A bigger issue. . . SuffrageSuffrageGetting citizens to vote.Getting citizens to vote.1.1. Suffrage an issue in three constitutional Suffrage an issue in three constitutional

amendments: amendments: 15th, 19th, 26th. YOU’RE 18,15th, 19th, 26th. YOU’RE 18, you can vote. . .but too many don’t. 51% in 2000 you can vote. . .but too many don’t. 51% in 2000

election. . .only 30%+ in off year voting. 54% election. . .only 30%+ in off year voting. 54% appeared in 04; 56% in ‘08. MN leads in voter appeared in 04; 56% in ‘08. MN leads in voter turnout. Nevada is on the other end of the list. turnout. Nevada is on the other end of the list.

2. Who does vote: The Demographics + why2. Who does vote: The Demographics + whya. Old b. high SESa. Old b. high SESc. Educated d. Gender - Females higherc. Educated d. Gender - Females highere. Married f. union membership e. Married f. union membership


3. Who can vote:3. Who can vote:a. Registration is simple in Minn. . .complicated in a. Registration is simple in Minn. . .complicated in

other states- ‘93 Motor Voter Act-- driver’s license other states- ‘93 Motor Voter Act-- driver’s license application check off. It’s complicated in Nevada.application check off. It’s complicated in Nevada.

b. registration is up but turn-out is down. b. registration is up but turn-out is down. c. And often parties like it that way. . .because if c. And often parties like it that way. . .because if

young, less educated, less well-off people don’t young, less educated, less well-off people don’t vote. . .power and political elites can remain in vote. . .power and political elites can remain in power. . .power. . .

d. e-mail registration and e-mail voting may change d. e-mail registration and e-mail voting may change the nature of the game as election day becomes the nature of the game as election day becomes election week or another high tech phenom.election week or another high tech phenom.

e. Institutional requirements. . .Citizen, no felons, 18e. Institutional requirements. . .Citizen, no felons, 18


4. A better issue is “How do voters 4. A better issue is “How do voters vote”?vote”?

a.a. Party ID. . .although its waning vs. candidate centered Party ID. . .although its waning vs. candidate centered elections. Being an incumbent may have more influence elections. Being an incumbent may have more influence than the party in office. than the party in office.

Voters don’t seem to mind divided gov’t. Voters don’t seem to mind divided gov’t. ““Floating voters” or those so called independents, who vote Floating voters” or those so called independents, who vote

for the candidate instead of the party beacon, are an for the candidate instead of the party beacon, are an issue. Both major parties seek their vote. And a issue. Both major parties seek their vote. And a successful campaign can attempt to lure them. successful campaign can attempt to lure them.

06 voting results06 voting resultsb. Candidates’ personna. - What are those leadership b. Candidates’ personna. - What are those leadership

qualities: Miller-Wattenberg-Malanchuk: qualities: Miller-Wattenberg-Malanchuk: (1) reliability(1) reliability(2) integrity(2) integrity(3) competence(3) competence


I.Voters can dictate policy I.Voters can dictate policy IFIF- that IS what a politician does once elected -- make - that IS what a politician does once elected -- make

policy- Now will he/she do what they claim?policy- Now will he/she do what they claim?

(1) voters know what they want(1) voters know what they want

(2) “ “ “ the candidate wants?(2) “ “ “ the candidate wants?

(3) There are differences between candidates?(3) There are differences between candidates?

(4) One casts the vote for your choice(4) One casts the vote for your choice

When given the option, voters’ policy choices carry When given the option, voters’ policy choices carry IF the candidates positions are clear. .IF the candidates positions are clear. .

And there are wide policy differences between the And there are wide policy differences between the candidates. . . . BUTTTT Too often this is not true. candidates. . . . BUTTTT Too often this is not true.


(5) Retrospective voting(5) Retrospective voting

a.a. Voters CAN support candidates who will Voters CAN support candidates who will provide for them. Ronald Reagan coined provide for them. Ronald Reagan coined it. . .it. . .

b.b. ““What have you done for me lately?” “Are What have you done for me lately?” “Are you better off today than you were you better off today than you were yesterday?” If yesssssss . . .vote for me yesterday?” If yesssssss . . .vote for me again! again!

b. Obviously major events and economics b. Obviously major events and economics impact voter preferences. . . impact voter preferences. . .

(6) A lot of issues. . . (6) A lot of issues. . . (a)(a)Nat’l Youth Service League. Nat’l Youth Service League.

(1)(1)At 18 or upon graduation. . .America’s At 18 or upon graduation. . .America’s youth will perform two year service to youth will perform two year service to establish one’s civic duty.establish one’s civic duty.

(a)(a)Military obligation. . .We are at warMilitary obligation. . .We are at war

(b) Civilian duty. . .Schools. . . .inner (b) Civilian duty. . .Schools. . . .inner city . . .Institutional work. . .Parks (CCC)city . . .Institutional work. . .Parks (CCC)

(2) Pay off. . . Intrinsic – Good for America(2) Pay off. . . Intrinsic – Good for America

Extrinsic – Civilian GI Bill. Extrinsic – Civilian GI Bill. III. Pol Parties + ElectionsIII. Pol Parties + Elections 3333


H. Why don’t people vote?H. Why don’t people vote?1.1. Institutional obstaclesInstitutional obstaclesAge, registration, citizenshipAge, registration, citizenship2. Apathetic– No political efficacy. No sense 2. Apathetic– No political efficacy. No sense

of civic duty. of civic duty. 3. Time issues – Too busy . . .costly to give up 3. Time issues – Too busy . . .costly to give up

work . . .It’s a Tuesdaywork . . .It’s a Tuesday4. Too many elections. . .diffuses enthusiasm4. Too many elections. . .diffuses enthusiasm5. No difference between the two parties.5. No difference between the two parties.6. Third parties never win so no changes.6. Third parties never win so no changes.7. Vote doesn’t matter, 1 of 100 million!7. Vote doesn’t matter, 1 of 100 million!


I.I. Who elects the president? Who elects the president? Electoral College? Electoral College? 1.1. Who are electors?Who are electors?Party wonks. . . Selected by Party wonks. . . Selected by State legislatorsState legislators2. How “win” electors:2. How “win” electors:Carry states popular plurality vote = unit ruleCarry states popular plurality vote = unit rule Only Nebraska and Maine goes proportionalOnly Nebraska and Maine goes proportional3. How many need to win?3. How many need to win?Need 270, If Tie EC... race goes to . . . Need 270, If Tie EC... race goes to . . . the House where each state gets . . . . the House where each state gets . . . . one vote. Need Majorityone vote. Need Majority4. Big states benefit, especially those w/ big cities. 4. Big states benefit, especially those w/ big cities. 5. But the EC protects . . . 5. But the EC protects . . . small states!small states!6. Today issue of swing states. – NV; MO, OH, PA, VA, NC, 6. Today issue of swing states. – NV; MO, OH, PA, VA, NC,

FLFL


I. Do politicians reallyI. Do politicians reallyunderstand the voters?understand the voters?1. If politicians give clear policy 1. If politicians give clear policy

options. . .voters can make reliable decisions. options. . .voters can make reliable decisions. . .. .

Retrospective voting “What have you done for Retrospective voting “What have you done for me lately? me lately?

a. economy is a major factor. a. economy is a major factor. b. Citizens do benefit from those policy b. Citizens do benefit from those policy

decisions. . .If you don’t like the policy. . . decisions. . .If you don’t like the policy. . . throw the bums out!throw the bums out!

III. Political Parties + Elections

Documents

pol parties electionsiii

party system3rd parties

us parties

govt soooooooob parties

dealignment of party

party history

party beacon

political party identification