American Government

Sections: Introduction | Section 1 | Section 2 | Section 3 | Section 4

Government : Political Participation : Introduction Unit 7:  Political Participation In this unit we will examine many of the ways that people can get involved in the political process.  We’ll take a look at the system for nominating candidates and electing people to office.  This system generally works around our two-party system.  This system is one in which a nation has two major political parties, and each runs a candidate in major elections.  In the United States, the Democrats and Republicans are currently our two major parties.  The two party system plays a big role in how our election system works, so we will begin by examining political parties. Learning Objectives: Understand the role political parties play in the American electoral system Evaluate the workings of a two party system and the role of minor parties in that system Compare and Contrast the Democratic and Republican parties Explain the steps a candidate must go through to gain his/her party’s nomination and become a presidential candidate Understand the importance of voting in a democracy Explain the workings of the Electoral College and determine how a candidate can win the popular vote and lose the election Analyze the impact of the media on presidential elections Evaluate the role interest groups play in American politics  Below is a list of the key terms for this unit: Caucus Closed Primary Electoral College Interest Group Linkage Institution Minor Party Multi Party System Nomination One Party System Open Primary Partisanship Platform Political Party Political Socialization Primary Soft Money Third Party Two Party System Go to next section

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