2. AGENDA
1. DO NOW- 5 Point Pop Quiz
2. Review/ wrap up
3. Liberal vs. Conservatives- the
issues
4. Political Spectrum Quiz
3. 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.
5. 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)
6. 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.
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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)
10. 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
11. 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
