5.11 Function & Impact of Political Parties

Announcements:

Jefferson City Committee Hearing request form

HB 2518 & 1508 Letter (USPS)

Target Letter HB 2518 & 1508 (USPS)

School Contact Spreadsheet

The address should be the top name/address on your letter. The return address is your name/LNHS school address that is listed after the date on your letter.


READING: 218-242 in Edwards

Unit Five Identification Terms

Today's Essential Question: What is the purpose of political parties?

Learning Standards:

PMI-5.B: Explain the function and impact of political parties on the electorate (voters) and government.

PMI-5.B.1: The functions and impact of political parties on the electorate and government are represented by:

• Mobilization and education of voters
• Party platforms
• Candidate recruitment
• Campaign management, including fundraising and media strategy
• The committee and party leadership systems in legislatures

Please take a few minutes and read the following: The Shape of Political Parties

“Three-headed Giant”

1. Party in the Electorate: The base of the party; the voters (self-identifying)
2. Party as an Organization: National, state, and local staff and office (DNC & RNC); decentralized
3. Party in Government: Elected officials (President, Congress members, etc) who are members of the party; helps organize; not always in agreement; spokespersons

What do political parties do? What is their function/task?

1. Nomination
2. Mobilization (get out the vote drives, education, stir up the base)
3. Party Platform

• Democratic Party Platform
• Republican Party Platform

4. Candidate recruitment
5. Campaign management (fundraising, polling, advertising, etc)
6. Organization in government (Speaker of the House, committee chairs, etc)

Which party function is most important? Why?

Additional Readings:

CliffNotes: Functions of Political Parties



Review Videos:

5.9 Citizens United and the Rise of Super PACs

Announcements:

Update on HB 1508 2518: The bill has been referred to the Higher Education Committee. We will need to specifically target schools in the committee members' districts. Check the spreadsheet to see if your school is one of them and highlight your row if it is.

Legislator look-up-verify that your school is in the representative's district. Will need school address/city.

Grassroots Lobbying: Let's send some emails and the get the word out about HB 1508 and HB 2518!
Here is the main version that most of you will use. Make sure to fill in the highlighted parts with your specific information.

Here is the targeted version for those that have a school in a district represented by one of the Higher Education committee members.

Homework: Bring in a stamped envelope and a printed copy of your letter to class on Wednesday. We will mail out hard copies then as a follow-up to the emails.

QUIZ: Thursday over campaigns and elections.

READING: 243-281 in Edwards

Unit Five Identification Terms

Today's Essential Question: How did the Citizens United case affect the role of money in elections and lead to the development of SuperPACs?

Learning Standards:

PRD-2.E.1: Federal legislation and case law pertaining to campaign finance demonstrate the ongoing debate over the role of money in political and free speech, as set forth in:

• Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, which was an effort to ban soft money and reduce attack ads with “Stand by Your Ad” provision: “I’m [candidate’s name] and I approve this message”
• Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010), which ruled that political spending by corporations, associations, and labor unions is a form of protected speech under the First Amendment

PRD-2.E.2: Debates have increased over free speech and competitive and fair elections related to money and campaign funding (including contributions from individuals, PACs, and political parties).

PRD-2.E.3: Different types of political action committees (PACs) influence elections and policy making through fundraising and spending.

Impact of Citizens United

Earlier, you looked at the recent history of government regulation of campaign finance through both legislative acts (FECA, BCRA) and Supreme Court decisions (Buckley v. Valeo, Citizens United, etc). Today we are going to look at some more information and examples of the role of money in elections.

Contribution limits:

The most important campaign finance Supreme Court case in recent years is Citizens United v. FEC. This controversial decision has led to an influx of money in campaigns, primarily by outside groups representing corporate interests or individual wealthy donors. 

Here is President Obama's reaction to the SCOTUS decision:




What impact has Citizens United had on money in campaigns?
What do these charts illustrate? (click on the link)

Main points on Citizens United:
1. Allows unlimited contributions by corporations, labor unions, individuals

2. Names of donors do NOT have to be disclosed

3. Expenditures (i.e. commercials) must be independent of the campaign (although that is easily worked around)

4. Led to the creation of Super PACs










First, take a look at the Bloomberg article on 2016 campaign spending.

With the Court's decision in Citizens United, the rise of SuperPACs has increased. Two of the most important in the 2012 election were Restore our Future and Priorities USA Action.  Look at these two SuperPACs and come up with at least two similarities and two differences.

Priorities USA was still active in 2016. Here is one of their ads:




More videos can be found on their YouTube channel.

How difficult is it to set up a Super PAC?


More videos for review:

5.8 Campaign Finance

Announcements:

READING: 243-281 in Edwards

Unit Five Identification Terms

Today's Essential Question: Does money=speech?

Learning Standards:

PRD-2.E: Explain how the organization, finance, and strategies of national political campaigns affect the election process.

PRD-2.E.1: Federal legislation and case law pertaining to campaign finance demonstrate the ongoing debate over the role of money in political and free speech, as set forth in:

• Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, which was an effort to ban soft money and reduce attack ads with “Stand by Your Ad” provision: “I’m [candidate’s name] and I approve this message”
• Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010), which ruled that political spending by corporations, associations, and labor unions is a form of protected speech under the First Amendment

PRD-2.E.2: Debates have increased over free speech and competitive and fair elections related to money and campaign funding (including contributions from individuals, PACs, and political parties).

PRD-2.E.3: Different types of political action committees (PACs) influence elections and policy making through fundraising and spending.

Campaign Finance

How much did the 2016 elections cost? Read this article to find out. Is this a good use of people's money?

1. "Money is the mother's milk of politics."  Discuss in your group what you think this quote means.

2. Look at the chart below. Discuss in your group any observations you can make from the data (2014 data incomplete).

3. Look at the infographic below. Discuss in your group three key takeaways.

4. What is the message of the political cartoon below?

Many people complain about the role of money in campaigns and elections. Today, we will be looking at how the government has tried to regulate campaign spending.

Discussion Questions:

• Should there be limits on how much an individual, business, or interest group can donate to a candidate?
• Should there be limits on how much an individual can spend on their own campaign?
• Should there be public financing of campaigns at either the presidential or congressional levels?
• Does money=speech?

Your Task: What are the rules concerning political contributions? What laws have been passed? What has the Supreme Court said? How is it regulated? Create a timeline that illustrates the government's attempt to limit the proliferation of money in campaigns using the following legislative acts, court cases, government agencies, and related terms.

Key Terms: FECA, BCRA, soft money, FEC, McCutcheon v. FEC, Buckley v. Valeo, McConnell v. FEC, Citizens United v. FEC, SuperPACs

Recommended websites & videos:
Oyez
FEC
PBS: Understanding Campaign Finance Laws

Boundless: The Role of Money in Campaigns and Elections

5.10 Modern Campaigns

Announcements:

Reminder: EIP Applications and recommendation forms due this Friday. No late submissions considered.

HB 1508 School Outreach Spreadsheet

READING: 243-281 in Edwards

Unit Five Identification Terms

Today's Essential Question: How are modern campaigns organized today and how does that differ from the past?

Learning Standards:

PRD-2.D: Explain how campaign organizations and strategies affect the election process.

PRD-2.D.1: The benefits and drawbacks of modern campaigns are represented by:

• Dependence on professional consultants
• Rising campaign costs and intensive fundraising efforts
• Duration of election cycles
• Impact of and reliance on social media for campaign communication and fundraising

Modern Campaigns

Political campaigns today are much different than they were one-hundred years ago, or even fifty years ago. Read the following articles/explainers on modern political campaigns and how they have changed.

Boundless: The Modern Campaign
Khan Academy: Modern Campaigns
Campaigns Without End: Today's presidential marathons took root in 1968
How will the Internet change political advertising?
Diggit Magazine: Social Media-Trump's Key to Success

After reading the above articles, explain in your notes how modern campaigns today are different from past campaigns in each of the following areas:

Duration:

Cost:

Social Media:

Professional consultants:


Trump and the Use of Twitter 






Review Videos:

5.7 The Incumbency Advantage: Why Do We Keep Electing the Same Members Back to Congress?

Announcements:

READING: 243-281 in Edwards

Unit Five Identification Terms

Today's Essential Question: Why do members of Congress keep getting re-elected if they have such low approval ratings?

Learning Standards:

PRD-2.C: Explain how the different processes work in U.S. congressional elections.

PRD-2.C.1: The process and outcomes in U.S. Congressional elections are impacted by:

• Incumbency advantage phenomenon
• General (presidential and midterm) elections

Congressional Incumbency Advantage
The approval rating for Congress is currently in the mid-teens. Despite this low number, most members of Congress (typically over 90%) will be re-elected next year. How is this possible?

What are two observations you can make from the data below?

Key Term: Incumbent=the current office holder seeking reelection.





Additional Readings:

Boundless: The Power of Incumbency

The Advantages of Incumbency in Congressional Elections

Why Incumbents Rarely Lose

People Hate Congress. But Most Incumbents Get Re-elected. What Gives?

Information courtesy of Center for Responsive Politics

Review Videos:

5.6 Arguments in Favor & Against the Electoral College

Announcements:

FLEXIBLE LEARNING DAY! Please read a few of the articles and/or watch a few of the videos (see below) on keeping or abolishing the Electoral College.

READING: 243-281 in Edwards

Unit Five Identification Terms

Today's Essential Question: What are the arguments for and against the Electoral College?

Learning Standards:

PRD-2.B: Explain how the Electoral College impacts democratic participation.
PRD-2.B.1: The winner-take-all allocation of votes per state (except Maine and Nebraska) under the setup of the Electoral College compared with the national popular vote for president raises questions about whether the Electoral College facilitates or impedes democracy.

The Electoral College

As a continuation of our examination of the Electoral College, today we are going to look at some of the arguments both for and against keeping this system of electing our president.

Read at least four (2 for, 2 against) from the list below and watch several of the videos on the Electoral College.



Articles

The Electoral College is Undemocratic? Of course. That's why it works

You'll hear these four arguments defending the Electoral College. They're wrong.

Getting Rid of the Electoral College isn't Just About Trump

A Case for the Electoral College

The Electoral College is the Worst of Both Worlds

In Defense of the Electoral College

Slate.com: Defending the Electoral College

Ten Reasons Why the Electoral College is a Problem

LA Times: The Founders' Choice: The Electoral College

Politico: Electoral College Keeps Elections Fair

Forbes: It's Time to Abolish the Electoral College



Videos

iCivics: Win the White House

Announcements:

READING: 243-281 in Edwards

Unit Five Identification Terms

Today's Question: How does one win the presidency?

Learning Standards:

PRD-2.B: Explain how the Electoral College impacts democratic participation.
PRD-2.B.1: The winner-take-all allocation of votes per state (except Maine and Nebraska) under the setup of the Electoral College compared with the national popular vote for president raises questions about whether the Electoral College facilitates or impedes democracy.

Win the White House
This past week, you read about the early stages of the presidential selection process and how the Electoral College works.

Today, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills as you try to win the presidency in the Electoral College.

iCivics Win the White House: A pretty comprehensive game that takes you through the presidential race. Create an account to be able to save your progress and compete against friends.

• Follow the instructions and try to win the presidency.
• The first (nomination) stage is selecting your candidate, party, and issues. Make sure you understand the positions that your candidate is taking on the issues. It will be important to match them up on the campaign trail and take the correct stand. You will also need to understand them during your debate in the nomination stage.
• The second stage is the general election campaign. You will need to fundraise each round and then use the money for polling, media events, or campaign ads. 
• Make sure to pay attention to polling numbers and momentum. Campaign in the states that you have a chance of winning, but don't neglect the states where you have a lead.
• Good luck! There will be a prize for the student who does the best! Screen shot your final tally and tweet at me your Electoral College victory.

5.5 The Electoral College

Announcements:

Guidance Counselors will be here today to help with registration for next year.

READING: 243-281 in Edwards

Unit Five Identification Terms

Today's Essential Question: How does the Electoral College work (or doesn't work)?

Learning Standards:

PRD-2.B: Explain how the Electoral College impacts democratic participation.
PRD-2.B.1: The winner-take-all allocation of votes per state (except Maine and Nebraska) under the setup of the Electoral College compared with the national popular vote for president raises questions about whether the Electoral College facilitates or impedes democracy.

The Electoral College

The Electoral College is probably the least understood aspect of the American political system and is often criticized for its archaic rules and numerous flaws. Today, you will be examining this process and trying to make sense of how it operates. Please answer these questions using the resources/links below, or others that you find on your own. Your goal is to become an expert on the Electoral College. We will also be evaluating whether or not to keep, modify, or eliminate the Electoral College.



US Archives on Electoral College

How The Electoral College Works

History Channel: Electoral College

US Constitution: Electoral College

5.4 The Path to the Presidency: Primaries, Caucuses, and Conventions!

Announcements:
What a week for political news. Catch up on some of the most important events below.

• Impeachment Vote: Senate votes to acquit Trump
• State of the Union Coverage
• Iowa Caucus: Buttigieg and Sanders claim victory

READING: 243-281 in Edwards

Unit Five Identification Terms

Today's Essential Question: How do we determine who the candidates for president will be?

Learning Standards:

PRD-2.A: Explain how the different processes work in a U.S. presidential election.

PRD-2.A.1: The process and outcomes in U.S. presidential elections are impacted by:

• Incumbency advantage phenomenon
• Open and closed primaries w Caucuses
• Party conventions
• Congressional and State elections
• The Electoral College

The Path to the Presidency

Who will be our next president? The race for 2020 is underway with nearly a dozen Democratic candidates and the Iowa caucus completed. Will there be a Republican challenger to Trump?

The 2016 presidential election cycle started with five candidates for the Democratic Party nomination and more than three times that many for the Republican nomination. The question for today is, how did we end up with Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, two of the most unpopular candidates of all time, end up as the two nominees? Meaning, how do the parties determine their party's nominee for the president?

The nomination process is a long and confusing series of elections run by the states. As a result of individual decisions made by the states (thanks federalism) and differences in party apparatus, there is no centralized answer to the question. Today, we will attempt to understand (as best we can) the general formula for the presidential nominating process

Task #1: Read
1.The US Presidential Nominating Process
2. Everything You Need to Know About How the Presidential Primary Works and
3. OpenStax: The Presidential Selection Process (just the Selecting the Candidate part)

After reading (or during reading), please answer the following questions in your notes:
1. What is the difference between a primary and a caucus? What does Missouri use?
2. Why are New Hampshire and Iowa so important in the nomination process?
3. What is "front-loading"? How are the political parties trying to limit it?
4. How is the presidential selection process different today than it was in the 19th century? How has that change affected the party nominees?

Task #2: Primary elections and the general election are two different types of elections. Look at this infographic on  primary voters vs. the general election (NY Times Infographic) and explain the significant difference and how this can impact campaign strategy for the general election.


Task #3: Review this PowerPoint including the videos on the presidential selection process.




Review Videos: