Civic Participation

1. Civic Participation

2. I. Elections in America

3. A. Types of Elections • Primary Election • A “run off” election to determine a party’s candidate • Open Primary – Anyone can participate • Closed Primary – Only party members participate • Caucus – election process to determine a candidate • Can lead to National Convention

4. A. Types Cont. • General Election • Election to determine an officeholder • Recall Election • Election to determine if an officeholder should remain in office • Can result in a new officeholder

5. B. Players in elections • Party—puts forth a candidate • Candidate—Runs for office • Board of Elections—runs the election • Creates districts • Political Action Committee (PAC) – “Nonpartisan” group in support of a candidate or issue – MONEY

6. D. Voter Qualifications in NC • 18 Years Old • NC resident for 1 year • Precinct resident 30 days • Not a felon

7. II. Propaganda • Glittering Generalities – popular, yet vague speech • Bandwagon-everyone else is doing it. • Stack Cards – only presenting positive information • Name Calling-Using harsh/kind words to make a point effective • “Just Plain Folks” – he’s just one of us • Image Molding – making candidate look good

10. John McCain is a war veteran who will defend freedom, protect democracy, and guard America from terrorists

11. Michael Dukakis, soft on Crime

12. Mission Accomplished

14. I am against immigration because it takes away jobs from Americans, destroys the American economy, brings criminals into our nation and results in American citizens paying taxes to provided immigrants welfare and social security!

15. 9 out of 10 doctors agree!!!

16. George Bush doesn’t care about Black people

21. The #1 Show on TV!!!

23. John Kerry is a Flip Flopper

24. III. Interest Groups aka: pressure groups, lobby groups, special interest groups Vary in the types of (economic, public, governmental) and number of (single, multi) issues they are interested in promoting. Examples EDUCATION http://www.ncae.org/ ENVIRONMENTAL http://www.conservationcouncilnc.org/ http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/ BUSINESS http://www.nfib.com/tabid/638/Default.aspx?NFIBInMyState=237&MyStateSelect=NC

25. “Extend the sphere [of interests], and you take in a greater variety of parties and interests; you make it less probable that a majority of the whole will have a common motive to invade the rights of other citizens.” James Madison Federalist 10

26. III. Evolution of Interest Groups The best way to control the “mischief of factions” is through the proliferation of groups. (Madison in Federalist 10) National Groups Emerge (1830-80) Anti-alcohol, peace, slavery, education Progressive Era (1890-1920) Crime, corruption, labor, trade, poverty Organized Labor: American Federation of Labor (AFL) in 1896 Trade Associations: National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) in 1895. The Interest Group State (1960 – 70) Women, minority, elderly, poor, consumers, and the environment. Conservative backlash (late 1970’s-1990’s) Moral Majority: Jerry Falwell, 1978 Christian Coalition; Pat Robertson, 1990 Abortion, prayer in schools, marriage

27. B. Interest Group success Important factors: Have a prominent leader who also helps to finance the group Funding: No money, No play! Members: Strength in numbers. Lobbying efforts Washington ties State and Local chapters

28. C. How do political parties and interest groups differ? • Parties are more recognizable, fewer • Parties nominate candidates & mobilize support; Interest groups promote issues • Parties help organize government; Interest groups help shape government • Parties have more regulations on activities; interest groups have more strength • Both help with fundraising

29. Special Interest Ads

30. IV. Lobbying Definition: an advocate attempting to influence legislation for a particular group Testify at legislative hearings Talk directly to government officials Helping to draft legislation Rallying constituent support Mounting grassroots campaigns Letter writing Donating money Litigation (amicus briefs) Endorsing candidates

31. Questions to ponder… How do interest groups and lobbyists affect the political process?

32. V. Other Issues in election • Grassroots Movement • Amongst the people • Political Machine • Complete control • patronage • Mass Media • Slander: spoken lies • Libel: written lies

33. V. Other issues in elections • Initiative – if enough voters sign a petition they can force a vote on an issue or law • Referendum– When the Legislature wants to let all people vote on a proposed law • Proposition: idea/petition • APATHY!!!