Campaigns Elections and Voting

What does political participation involve?

Taking actions to influence politics.

voting in 1789

Only white property-owning men could vote.

What did the 15th Amendment accomplish in 1870

It prohibits denying a citizen's right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

voting in 1877

Jim crow restrictions

What amendment granted women the right to vote?

The 19th Amendment in 1920.

24th Amendment

Abolished poll taxes in federal elections in 1964.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

A landmark piece of federal legislation in the United States that prohibits racial discrimination in voting.

Who is responsible for running elections in the U.S.?

The states, via their Secretaries of State.

modern threats to voting rights

Felon disenfranchisement,Voter identification laws and other “Administrative Burdens” ,Restricted access to polls, Unwillingness to accept legitimate outcomes

how to expand voting access.

Mail voting, Early voting, Automatic voter registration

What is the highest office for which Americans vote every four years?

President.

How often are members of the House of Representatives elected?

Every 2 years.

officials voted for at the state level

Governor, Treasurer, Comptroller, Attorney General.

What are party nominations?

The process by which parties decide who they will nominate for an election.

What is a primary election?

An election to decide who will be the party’s nominee for a certain position.

When were primaries introduced?

In the early 1970s.

caucus

An event where voters physically divide themselves into groups according to the candidate they support.

What states typically go first in the presidential primary process?

Iowa and New Hampshire.

party conventions

Events where presidential candidates are formally nominated by delegates.

What is the purpose of the Electoral College?

To elect the president based on electoral votes rather than the national popular vote.

How are electoral votes allocated to states?

Based on each state’s population and congressional delegation.

the majority number of electoral votes needed to win the presidency

270 votes.

swing states

states that change their votes between elections and are not fully Democratic or Republican.

How many electoral votes are there in total?

535 electoral votes.

Why is changing the Electoral College system challenging?

It is embedded in the Constitution, requiring a constitutional amendment.

enfranchisement

The right to vote.

What do administrative burdens in voting refer to?

Voter identification laws and restricted access to polls.

What is one method used to expand voter participation recently?

Automatic voter registration.

What role do parties play in candidate elections?

They help in raising funds, mobilizing voters, and running campaign ads.

What impact do presidential primaries have?

They shape the candidates appearing on the general election ballot.

What happens at party conventions?

Candidates are officially nominated and party support is rallied.

What is the process after primary votes are counted?

Delegates are appointed to the national conventions to vote for the candidate.