DO NOW

• STUDY Two- Party System Notes…… 5 point quiz

AGENDA

1. DO NOW- 5 Point Pop Quiz2. Review/ wrap up3. Liberal vs. Conservatives- the

issues4. Political Spectrum Quiz

Competencies/Objectives• Competency: Students will demonstrate an ability to analyze

their relationship to political parties and the political spectrum.

• SWBAT: Identify key issues and the views of republicans and democrats on the issues.

• SWBAT: Identify their own opinion on the political spectrum.

The Right to Vote

Becoming a Voter• Must be 18 years old and a US citizen• States decide qualifications for registering to vote and voting

(voter ID laws)• Constitution forbids any state to deny a citizens right to vote

on basis of race, color, or sex.• Most States require information to prove you are eligible

(name, age, address, date of birth)• May be asked to register as a particular political party (this can

always be changed)• OR may register as independent (not a member of a political

party)

Elections• States hole two types of elections:1. Primary election- takes place 1st. Held in late spring or early

summer. Chooses party candidates who will run in the general election.

2. General election- voters choose their leaders from candidates offered by political parties.

Primary Election• Two main types of primary elections:1. Closed Primary- only voters registered in a particular party

can vote to choose the party’s candidates. (Independents cannot vote)

2. Open Primary-voters may vote for the candidates of either party whether or not the voters belong to that party

• Most states use the closed primary• Nominating convention- Various party committees select the

delegates to this convention and delegates vote for candidates

Independent Candidates• Does not belong to a political party• Can be on general election ballot if enough supporters sign a

petition.• Independent candidates not elected as often as major-party

candidates• Some states let voters write in names of candidates

General Elections• Congress sets the date for general elections• First Tuesday following the first Monday in November• Presidential election- every 4 years (even numbered years)• Congressional election- every 2 years (even numbered years)• General elections for state officials are held in November

(even or odd numbered depending on state)

Early Voting• Before 1888 voice vote• Secret ballot adopted in 1888 • Secret ballot- paper ballot that lists the names of the

candidates.• Voters mark ballots in private booths

Voting Today• Polling places are open all day• Most states have laws requiring employers allow employees to

vote• Straight ticket- vote for all the candidates of one party• Split ticket- choosing candidates of more than one political

party