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Chapter 7: Elections. Nominations – the First Step. Before the election can take place, candidates must be nominated This applies in ALL elections, not just presidential! Nomination – the naming of candidates who will seek office After candidates are nominated, the general election is held.
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Nominations – the First Step • Before the election can take place, candidates must be nominated • This applies in ALL elections, not just presidential! • Nomination – the naming of candidates who will seek office • After candidates are nominated, the general election is held
How Does a Candidate get Nominated? • 4 Ways: • Self Announcement • Convention • Caucus • Primary **To become a major party nominee for president, all 4 will be used**
Self-Announcement • The candidate simply makes an announcement of his/her intention to seek public office (could have a friend do it, too) Ralph Nader, Independent candidate
Self-Announcement • Usually an independent candidate or someone who failed to win a major party nomination Ralph Nader, Independent candidate
Self-Announcement • To get your name on the ballot generally requires a number of signatures on a petition (specifics are set by each state) Ralph Nader, Independent candidate
Convention • Public meeting of party activists to energize voters and choose a party candidate
Convention • Used to be the method for major parties to choose, but the conventions became corrupt • Major parties still use them, but only to make the presidential nomination “official”
Convention • Now only used by minor parties (like the Libertarian Party shown below)
Caucus • 1800s - originally a private meeting of party leaders – no records kept or journalists allowed • The appearance of corruption led to reforms
Caucus • Now - a public meeting of any party members who wish to participate and debate
Primary • A public election held within a political party to choose the party’s nominee for office • Open Primary – any eligible voters may vote • Closed Primary – only registered party members may vote in their party’s primary • Most common method in states today
Caucus vs. Primary • Make a primary ballot out of a half-sheet of paper • On your ballot, write down your choice for president of Sesame Street • And now, announcing your candidates…