5a Functions of Political Parties

1. 5a Functions of Political Parties Table of Contents P. 1- Vocabulary P. 2- Notes P. 3- Political Brochure P. 4- Guided Reading

2. 5a Vocabulary • 1. Political Parties- organization of citizens who share similar views on issues and who work together to put their ideas into effect through government action. • 2. Nominate- to choose someone to run for office. • 3. Candidates-person who runs for government office. • 4. Electorate- people who have the right to vote in election. (anyone who votes) • 5. Campaign- political event in which electors prepare to choose during an election. • 6. Elections- time in which voters choose candidates who run for office. • 7. Political Process- process in which candidates and political parties prepare to run and serve in office • 8. Ballot- a slip used in voting to indicate which candidate you choose. • 9. Caucus- meeting of party leaders to discuss issues or choose candidates. • 10. Direct Primary- an election in which members of a political party choose candidates to run for office in the name of the party. • 11. Self Nomination- declaring that you are running from office.

3. CE 5a Notes • Functions of political parties • Recruiting and nominating candidates  Educating the electorate about campaign issues  Helping candidates win elections • Monitoring actions of officeholders • A. Get people to to vote • B. Raise awareness of what is going on in world • 2 Major Parties • - Democrats- Elephant (Liberal Beliefs) (Obama) Blue • - Republicans- Donkey (Conservative Beliefs) (McCain) Red

4. Political Brochure • Create 2 Political Brochures • One Brochure will be a Republican and the other democrat. • Each brochure must be completely covered with color and list ideas, symbols, and candidates. • Textbook is a great place to start.

5. Vocabulary Activity • 1. _______ is a slip used the voting process in which you choose a candidate. • 2._______ is the major function of political parties. • 3. Political Parties also serve as ________ by watching what the other party is doing. • 4. Mr. Jenkins’s favorite color is red so he must like the ______ party. • 5. Mr. Grizzard went to a republican ______ where they discussed issues and chose candidates for office. • 6. There are 2 major political parties, _____ and ______. • 7. Obama was a democrat, so his political mascot was an ___________. • 8. _________ normally occurs during the first Tuesday in November. • 9. Helping candidates win elections is one of the jobs of _____ ____. • 10. It is important for political parties to _______ the electorate about certain campaign issues.