Civic Participation

Civic Participation

I. Elections in America

A. Types of Elections

• Primary Election– A “run off” election to determine a party’s

candidate– Open Primary – Anyone can participate– Closed Primary – Only party members

participate– Caucus – election process to determine a

candidate– Can lead to National Convention

A. Types Cont.

• General Election– Election to determine an officeholder

• Recall Election– Election to determine if an officeholder should

remain in office– Can result in a new officeholder

B. Players in elections

• Party—puts forth a candidate

• Candidate—Runs for office

• Board of Elections—runs the election– Creates districts

• Political Action Committee (PAC) – “Nonpartisan” group in support of a candidate or issue – MONEY

D. Voter Qualifications in NC

• 18 Years Old

• NC resident for 1 year

• Precinct resident 30 days

• Not a felon

II. Propaganda

• Glittering Generalities – popular, yet vague speech

• Bandwagon-everyone else is doing it. • Stack Cards – only presenting positive

information• Name Calling-Using harsh/kind words to make a

point effective • “Just Plain Folks” – he’s just one of us• Image Molding – making candidate look good

John McCain is a war veteran who will defend freedom, protect

democracy, and guard America from terrorists

Michael Dukakis, soft on Crime

Mission Accomplished

I am against immigration because it takes away jobs from Americans, destroys the American economy,

brings criminals into our nation and results in American citizens paying

taxes to provided immigrants welfare and social security!

9 out of 10 doctors agree!!!

George Bush doesn’t care about Black people

The #1 Show on TV!!!

John Kerry is a Flip Flopper

III. Interest Groups

• aka: pressure groups, lobby groups, special interest groups

• Vary in the types of (economic, public, governmental) and number of (single, multi) issues they are interested in promoting.

• Examples– EDUCATION

• http://www.ncae.org/– ENVIRONMENTAL

• http://www.conservationcouncilnc.org/• http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/

– BUSINESS• http://www.nfib.com/tabid/638/Default.aspx?NFIBInMyState=

237&MyStateSelect=NC

“Extend the sphere [of interests], and you take in a greater variety of parties and interests; you make it less probable that a majority of the whole will have a common motive to invade the rights of other citizens.”

James MadisonFederalist 10

III. Evolution of Interest Groups• The best way to control the “mischief of factions” is

through the proliferation of groups. (Madison in Federalist 10)

• National Groups Emerge (1830-80)– Anti-alcohol, peace, slavery, education

• Progressive Era (1890-1920)– Crime, corruption, labor, trade, poverty

• Organized Labor: American Federation of Labor (AFL) in 1896• Trade Associations: National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) in

1895.

• The Interest Group State (1960 – 70)– Women, minority, elderly, poor, consumers, and the

environment.• Conservative backlash (late 1970’s-1990’s)

– Moral Majority: Jerry Falwell, 1978– Christian Coalition; Pat Robertson, 1990– Abortion, prayer in schools, marriage

B. Interest Group success

• Important factors:– Have a prominent leader who also helps to

finance the group– Funding: No money, No play!– Members: Strength in numbers.– Lobbying efforts

• Washington ties• State and Local chapters

C. How do political parties and interest groups differ?

• Parties are more recognizable, fewer

• Parties nominate candidates & mobilize support; Interest groups promote issues

• Parties help organize government; Interest groups help shape government

• Parties have more regulations on activities; interest groups have more strength– Both help with fundraising

Special Interest Ads

IV. Lobbying

• Definition: an advocate attempting to influence legislation for a particular group

• Testify at legislative hearings• Talk directly to government officials• Helping to draft legislation• Rallying constituent support• Mounting grassroots campaigns• Letter writing• Donating money• Litigation (amicus briefs)• Endorsing candidates

Questions to ponder…

• How do interest groups and lobbyists affect the political process?

V. Other Issues in election

• Grassroots Movement– Amongst the people

• Political Machine– Complete control– patronage

• Mass Media– Slander: spoken lies– Libel: written lies

V. Other issues in elections

• Initiative – if enough voters sign a petition they can force a vote on an issue or law

• Referendum– When the Legislature wants to let all people vote on a proposed law– Proposition: idea/petition

• APATHY!!!