The Electoral System

The Electoral System

At the national level

Two parties dominate the political arena in the United States:

the Democrats and the Republicans

What do the parties do?

These political parties represent different ideas about the role of the government in our nation. In each election season, the parties and candidates work to promote the views, or platforms, on different issues.

What kinds of issues?

• Well we have...

• Tax Reform

• Social Security

• Education Spending

• Environmental Protection

• and so on.

How do we get presidential candidates?

Each party runs its own primary election, in which candidates within the party compete with each other for the party's nomination. After the primaries the winners from each party's primary face off in the general election.

Well when do citizens get a say?

Citizens vote in the general election, and the results are tallied by state. Following the general election, electors from each state cast their state's vote in the Electoral College. The candidate who wins the greatest number of electoral votes becomes president.

Is it just the Democratic and Republican parties?

Although Democrats and Republicans are by far the largest political parties, there are small parties as well.

(Bonus) What are some of the third parties?

• Libertarian Party

• Constitution Party

• Green Party

How do we decide who to vote for?

While there are many voters who consider themselves Democrats or Republicans, many voters are independent.

Candidates rely heavily on opinion polls to see what voters think and try to tailor their messages to appeal to "swing" voters

(Bonus) A swing voter or floating voter is a voter who may not be affiliated with a particular political party or who will vote across party lines.

Who CAN contribute to political campaigns?

• Some of there are subject to limitations.

• Individuals

• Minors

• Certain limited liability companies (LLCs)

• Political action committees

Who CAN'T contribute to political campaigns?

• Corporations

• Labor organizations

• National banks

• Personal funds from a candidate employed by prohibited source

• Churches and other charitable organizations