Download The Political Process

The Political Process
Relevant Standards of Learning
CE.5
The student will demonstrate knowledge of the political process
at the local, state, and national levels of government by
a) describing the functions of political parties;
b) comparing the similarities and differences of political parties;
c) analyzing campaigns for elective office, with emphasis on
the role of the media;
d) examining the role of campaign contributions and costs;
e) describing voter registration and participation;
f) describing the role of the Electoral College in the election of
the President and Vice President.
CE.9
The student will demonstrate knowledge of how public policy is
made at the local, state, and national levels of government by
a) examining the impact of the media on public opinion and
public policy.
Student Objectives
• Describe the function of political parties.
(CE.5a)
• Compare and contrast political parties. (CE.5b)
• Analyze the role of the media in campaigns and
public policymaking. (CE.5c, CE.9a)
• Examine the role of campaign contributions and
costs. (CE.5d)
• Describe voter registration and participation.
(CE.5e)
• Describe the Electoral College system. (CE.5f)
List four functions of political parties
1. Recruit and nominate candidates
2. Educate the electorate about campaign
issues
3. Help candidates win elections
4. Monitor the actions of officeholders
(watchdog role)
Name the two major political
parties of the United States
Democrat
Republican
List four similarities between the
two major political parties
1. Organized to win elections
2. Want to influence public policy
3. Reflect both liberal and conservative
views
4. Appeal to the political center
How can you find out what position
a political party takes on issues?
Party platform (a listing of a party’s positions
on various issues)
AND
Campaigns
List two ways that third parties
differ from the two major parties
1. They introduce new ideas and press for
particular issues
2. They often revolve around a political
personality (e. g. Theodore Roosevelt’s
Bull Moose Party)
Name four strategies for evaluating
political candidates
1.
2.
3.
4.
Separating fact from opinion
Detecting bias
Evaluating sources
Identifying propaganda
List four ways that the media plays
a role in the political process
1. Identifying candidates
2. Emphasizing selected issues
3. Writing editorials and creating
political cartoons
4. Broadcasting different points of
view
List five effects of
rising campaign costs
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Requires extensive fund-raising
Limits opportunities to run for public office
Gives an advantage to wealthy individuals
Encourages the development of PACs
Gives special interest groups increased
influence
What is the name for recent
attempts to control the rising cost of
campaigns?
Campaign finance reform
Who can vote in primary and
general elections?
Only registered voters
What are the qualifications to vote
in Virginia?
• U. S. citizen
• Resident of Virginia
• 18 years of age by day of
general election
What is the time limit on
registration in Virginia?
Registration is closed 22 days before
elections
Name three factors influencing
whether or not a person will vote
1. Education
2. Age
3. Income
* There is a direct relationship between these
factors and the likelihood that a person will vote.
List three reasons why
citizens fail to vote
1. Lack of interest
2. Failure to register
3. A mistaken feeling that one
vote doesn’t make a
difference
Describe the Electoral
College process
The slate of electors for each state is chosen
by popular vote. The electors then meet to vote
for President and Vice President. The winner of
the popular vote in each state receives ALL of
the electoral votes for that state. The number of
electors for each state is based on the state’s
Congressional representation. Virginia has 13
electoral votes at stake. The winner-take-all
process favors a two-party system.