​Lesson objectives

Why is it important to be a responsible voter?

Unit Essential Q.

Essential Questions

Key Vocabulary

​LESSON 1 REVIEW

​RUNNING FOR OFFICE

1. Why is understanding how candidates get elected and advance through elections an important responsibility for us?

2. Why do incumbents typically win re-election? why might they lose?

3. For most state or national offices, you'll have to enter what?

4. Differentiate between a closed and open primary.

5. What is an alternative for a primary that spome states hold?

6. What 4 states hold a Caucus? Is Florida a primary or caucus state?

7. Describe "primary season" for a presidential candidate.

8. What happens at a Party's national convention? What all is approved?

9. What part of the election follows the national conventions?

POLITICAL INFLUENCERS

1. What are some ways political campaigns promote their candidates?

2. What was unique about the 1940 presidential election?

3. What is a way candidates for local offices reach potential voters (harder for state and national candidates)?

4. Identify several other ways candidates gain attention.

5. How can interest groups impact elections?

6. What do interest groups form to help finance a candidate's campaign? What are some examples?

7. How does the media impact elections? What does responsible reporting look like?

8. How can polls influence elections?

​MAIN TAKEAWAYS

• Primaries and Caucuses are the first step for candidates running for most state and national offices. FL has a primary election. These elections help choose a single candidate for the general election.

• Primaries may be closed or open. If closed, voters may only participate if they are registered with that political party.

• Incumbents are typically favored in elections.

• At the end of a "primary season", Republicans and Democrats hold national conventions to choose their candidate for the upcoming general election.

• Campaigning involves numerous tactics to reach voters.

• Interest groups and PACs may endorse candidates and even contribute finanacially. The Medis may endorse candidates, as well, and/or show bias towards a particular side. Political polls can influence voters, as well.

RUNNING AND PAYING FOR A CAMPAIGN (COPY)

• ​Campaign finance sources include individuals and PACs.

• The Federal Election Commission limits funds.

STATE AND LOCAL ELECTIONS

1. What happens on election day?

2. How are winners determined in state and local elections?

3. When would a runoff election take place?

4. When would a recount take place?

THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE

1. How are presidential elections different than state and local elections?

2. How many electors make up the electoral college?

3. How are a state's electoral votes determined?

4. Discuss flaws in the early electoral college.

5. Who decided if there is a tie in the electoral college?

6. What was the significance of the 12th amendment?

7. When and how does FL choose their electors? What do the electors promise?

8. Which two states do not use the "winner take all" system?

9. How many electoral votes are needed to win? Why do some disagree with the system?

​MAIN TAKEAWAYS

• State and local elections are determined by popular vote. Runoff elections occur if no candidate receives a majority. Recounts may occur if a very close race.

• Presidential elections are determined by the electoral college. The Census determines Congress and determines electoral votes. The FL Govenor chooses the electors for FL prior to the election.

• The 12th amendment allows for electors to vote for President and VP who run on same ticket. All states except Maine and Nebraska have a "winner take all" system. You need 270 of the 538 electoral votes to win. The House of Reps breaks ties. You can win the electoral vote and lose the national popular vote.