Do Now: Complete Political Spectrum worksheet using notes from last class.

K-W-L on Voting Notes on Voting/Citizenship Group Activity: How to increase voter turnout.

Complete the K & W

What do you already know about the Electoral College and your right to vote?

What would you like to learn about both.

Citizen: A person who, by birth or choice, owes allegiance to this nation.

1.) You were born in the US, or one of its territories (even if your parents are not citizens).

2.) At least ONE of your parents are US citizens it does not matter where you are born.

3.) Or you have been “naturalized.”

This means you have gone through the process of becoming a citizen.

If you are not a citizen you can be considered an “alien.” As an alien you can not vote OR hold office.

To become a citizen you must go through naturalization: study American History (values, laws, rights & duties), meet certain requirements AND take a test.

Obey the laws◦Rule of Law: Concept of a government of laws,

rather than men and women.◦In a Democracy, no individual-even the President-is

above the law! Defend our Nation Serve on a jury or witness in court Pay taxes Attend school (yes-you can get in trouble with

the government if you are under 18 AND NOT IN SCHOOL!)

a United States citizen,

at least 18 years old by the next election,

a resident of the county for 30 days before the election.

Voting is part of our responsibility as citizens

You must be a registered voter

Mail or deliver the Voter Registration Application and/or Party Affiliation Form to the County Commissioner of Registration

Locate your local polling station through the New Jersey website

Your polling station

Why Vote?

Voting is a special right that we as Americans enjoy.

It allows us to have a say in what our government is doing.

Electing representatives to hold office for the common good.

If you don’t vote who are you to complain?

In groups discuss the following questions, brainstorm ideas, one person in the group is the recorder.

1.) What political issues motivate younger citizens to get involved with public life? Give examples.

2.) Some countries increased voter participation by holding elections on Sundays. What other methods can you suggest to increase turnout?

3.) In some countries voter participation is mandatory. What effect might this have on elections? Do you think this is a good way to increase citizen participation in elections?

50 sample questions that have been used on past Citizenship Tests.

Complete the quiz

See how you do!

Answer the questions below:

-What is the Electoral College?-If you were running for President what states would you focus on? Why?

-Do you agree with this system? Why or Why not?

•Created by the founding fathers at the Constitutional Convention

•When you vote for the President you are actually voting for an ELECTOR to vote for you

•Each state has a determined number of electors based on Proportional Representation!!!

Electoral College

A state’s number of Electors is the total number of Senators and Representatives in the HouseNew Jersey

2 Senators 12 Representatives

Total 14 Electors

There are a total of 538 electoral votes-The District of Columbia is not a state but is given 3 electoral votes.

-A candidate must have 270 electoral votes to win the Presidential election.

-If no single candidate gets the required 270 electoral votes then the House of Representatives votes to decide the President.-48 out of the 50 states have a “winner takes all” method

48 out of the 50 states have a “winner takes all” method

If you get the most votes in that state you get ALL of their electoral college votes

***It is possible to get more votes overall in the election from the entire country and NOT be elected President

Total Votes in 2000 Election:

Bush 50,461,092 total votes(47.9%)271 Electoral Votes

Gore 50,994,086 total votes(48.4%)266 Electoral Votes

Nader 2,882,728 total votes(2.7%)0 Electoral College Votes

2000 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Encourages low voter turnout Diminishes third party influence Person with most popular votes may not

win Leads to tactical, insincere voting If there is no majority winner in the

Electoral College, the election goes to the H.O.R and there is a loss of separation of powers

Some people argue that the Electoral College is outdated and has not played out the way the founders originally planned.

**Do you agree or disagree? Why? Make sure you use examples and support your argument. (4-5 sentences)