Competency 19 Flashcards
In order to vote, what must a citizen do?
CItizens 18 yrs and older must register in oreder to vote
Once a person wants to run for political office, what must they do?
have to register for Candidacy and then begin campagining (advertising, making speeches, pamphlets, debates, phone calls)
What happens if an elected candidate becomes very unpopular by the majority of voters because of behavior or scandal?
Voters have the option to recall an elected candidate, but it’s a very complicated process. Or impeachment, which is rare. In order to impeach a president, both houses of national government have to approve impeachment (vote on it)
What is the electoral college?
AKA College of Electors and it is representatives that mirror the political will of the American voters
Why did the Founding Fathers create the Electoral College?
one of the checks and balances of our government for 2 rasons: 1. to give states with small populations more equal weight and 2. founding fathers didn’t trust the common man to make an informed decision
How does the Electoral College work?
Electers don’t have to vote for anyone according to the Constitution. Sometimes, the electers vote for someone their not supposed to. The electoral college meets a few weeks after the elections for a formal meeting and the President with the most electoral vote wins, usually is the popular vote from the people, but not always.
Why is the Electoral College still used today?
Many see it as not necessary but others believe in the tradition of using it and show that in history the electoral vote did mirror the popular vote
If the people of the US wanted to get rid of the electoral college, what needs to happen?
Constitutional ammendment has to be passed
What are Lobbyists?
someone who works for a political cause and tries to influence law makers to vote a certain way on issues. Ex. NRA (National, Rifle Association) is the most powerful lobbying group and influence lawmakers to not vote for more gun control.
What are some ways lobbyists try to influence lawmakers?
Letters, phone campaigns, gifts such as meals and entertainment, negative behavior used to be physical violence, but is now removal of funding or voting for a certain candidate.
What is a positive way Lobbyists work?
Passionate about their cause and they make law makers aware of these issues with information
What was the 23rd Ammendment in 1965?
US Citizens at least 18 yrs old elegible to vote
What are some ways citizens can participate and influence the political process?
Vote, get elected for offie or be on a local board or council, support a political party, by volunteering ot make phone calls, distribute printed material, give money, support issues (teacher groups), use money to lobby
How does money influence political elections?
The candidate who has more money can run a bigger campaign and get elected. Money is needed to pay the top people in the campaign. Money is needed to rent office space, buy office supplies, transportation, and most expensive is advertising, especially on tv
How does a candidate get money to run a successful political campaign?
Candidate might have some money of their own, but most money comes from outside donations, so called special interests (oil company, manufacuter of special goods wanting to keep prices down)
