Unit 5 Review: Elections, Political Parties, and Representation
I. Types of Elections in America
A. Primary Elections:
Process where political parties select their candidates
B. General Elections:
Final election where voters choose between candidates
C. Midterm Elections:
Congressional elections held between presidential
elections
D. Special Elections:
Held to fill vacancies between regular elections
E. Local Elections:
For city, county, and state positions
F. Presidential Elections:
Held every four years on the first Tuesday following the
first Monday in November
II. The Voting Process
A. Voter Registration Requirements:
● Must be US citizen
● At least 18 years old
● Meet state residency requirements
● Not be disqualified by state law
B. Registration Methods:
● Online registration
● In-person at government offices
● By mail
● Motor Voter registration (at DMV)
C. Early voting and mail-in voting options available in many states
III. The Electoral College System
A. Total of
583 electors
B. Each state gets electors
equal to their total congressional representation
C. Winner needs
, 270 electoral votes to become president
D. Most states use winner-take-all system
E. Two exceptions:
1 Maine
2 Nebraska
IV. Voter Decision Making
Party Identification Many voters choose based on political party
Issues Voters consider candidate positions on important topics
Demographics Age, education, income influence voting patterns
Retrospective Voting Looking at past performance
Prospective Voting ● Considering future potential
Pocketbook Voting Based on personal financial situation
V. Factors Affecting Voter Turnout
Age Older voters tend to vote more regularly
Education Higher education levels correlate with higher turnout
Income Higher income voters participate more
Accessibility Early voting and mail-in options can increase turnout
Registration Strict ID laws may deAcrease turnout
requirements
Election timing Presidential elections see highest turnout
VI. Political Parties
A. Two dominant parties:
1 Generally liberal ideology
2 Generally conservative ideology
B. Third Parties:
1 Face challenges in winner-take-all system
2 Can influence major party positions
1. Examples:
1 Green Party
2 Libertarian Party
a) Party platforms represent official positions on issues
I. Types of Elections in America
A. Primary Elections:
Process where political parties select their candidates
B. General Elections:
Final election where voters choose between candidates
C. Midterm Elections:
Congressional elections held between presidential
elections
D. Special Elections:
Held to fill vacancies between regular elections
E. Local Elections:
For city, county, and state positions
F. Presidential Elections:
Held every four years on the first Tuesday following the
first Monday in November
II. The Voting Process
A. Voter Registration Requirements:
● Must be US citizen
● At least 18 years old
● Meet state residency requirements
● Not be disqualified by state law
B. Registration Methods:
● Online registration
● In-person at government offices
● By mail
● Motor Voter registration (at DMV)
C. Early voting and mail-in voting options available in many states
III. The Electoral College System
A. Total of
583 electors
B. Each state gets electors
equal to their total congressional representation
C. Winner needs
, 270 electoral votes to become president
D. Most states use winner-take-all system
E. Two exceptions:
1 Maine
2 Nebraska
IV. Voter Decision Making
Party Identification Many voters choose based on political party
Issues Voters consider candidate positions on important topics
Demographics Age, education, income influence voting patterns
Retrospective Voting Looking at past performance
Prospective Voting ● Considering future potential
Pocketbook Voting Based on personal financial situation
V. Factors Affecting Voter Turnout
Age Older voters tend to vote more regularly
Education Higher education levels correlate with higher turnout
Income Higher income voters participate more
Accessibility Early voting and mail-in options can increase turnout
Registration Strict ID laws may deAcrease turnout
requirements
Election timing Presidential elections see highest turnout
VI. Political Parties
A. Two dominant parties:
1 Generally liberal ideology
2 Generally conservative ideology
B. Third Parties:
1 Face challenges in winner-take-all system
2 Can influence major party positions
1. Examples:
1 Green Party
2 Libertarian Party
a) Party platforms represent official positions on issues
