2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Social ClubThursday, September 8th, 2016

Warm Up1. What is an election? 2. What is the difference between a Primary

Election and a General Election?3. The USA is holding a general election

this November. Why?4. What does the US President do?5. Do you know who the main candidates

in the US election are?6. What else do you know about the US

election?

How the Election Works Every American citizen over 18 years old (with no

serious criminal record) has the right to vote Voting isn’t required. In Presidential elections, between 35%

and 45% of Americans usually vote. However, when we vote in a Presidential election, we’re

actually voting for members of the Electoral College States with higher populations get a larger number of electoral

college votes In a general election, the candidates with the majority

of the votes in a state gets ALL of that state’s electoral college votes So, if you vote against the majority in your state, your vote

doesn’t really count Because of these rules, a candidate can actually get the

highest number of votes but still lose the election This happened when Pres. Bush was elected in 2000

Electoral College Votes

The US President Also known as the “Chief Executive,”

“Commander in Chief,” or POTUS In charge of:

Making sure the laws of the USA are carried out Meeting and cooperating with foreign leaders The military (especially in emergency situations)

Elected for a 4 year term Cannot serve more than two terms (8 years)

in a row [since 1951] Lives in The White House in Washington,

D.C.

The White House

The Oval Office

Democrats vs Republicans

Like most American politics in the 21st century, Presidential elections are really about choosing between one of the two major political parties: The Democratic Party or The Republican Party

What are the differences between the two?

American Politics (in a nutshell) Democrats

Generally Liberal Think government

should play bigger role in people’s lives

Higher taxes, more services

Willing to change traditional ‘values’ to improve society Ex) In favor of gay

rights, abortion rights

Republicans Generally Conservative Think government

should play smaller role in people’s lives

Lower taxes, less services

Support traditional ‘values’ and oppose social change Ex) Oppose gay rights,

abortion

The Two Party System1. Many European democracies have more

than two major political parties. Do you think it’s a good idea to have only two political parties? Why or why not?

2. Based on the description on the last slide, do you think you would be a Democrat or a Republican? Why?

The 2016 Candidates

Donald Trump (Republican) Billionaire real estate developer

Inherited most of his money Famous for putting his name on

buildings and hosting TV show Many thought his presidential

campaign was a publicity stunt

No political experience But this seems to be part of why

people like him Running on his ‘business skills’ Says many offensive things Slogan: “Make America Great

Again”

Hillary Clinton (Democrat) Started career as a lawyer President Bill Clinton’s First

Lady Political experience:

New York senator (2001-2009) US Secretary of State (2009-

2013) Ran for President in 2008

Criticized for Email scandal Attacks US diplomats in Libya Voting for War in Iraq

Slogan: “Stronger Together”

Who Said It? “I know words, I have the best words.” “I am not a natural politician.” “I will build a great, great wall on our southern

border, and I will make Mexico pay for that wall.” “I will be the greatest jobs president that God ever

created.” “I suppose I could have stayed home and baked

cookies and had teas.” “I know the Chinese. I’ve made a lot of money with

the Chinese.” “Human rights are women’s rights, and women’s

rights are human rights.” “I believe America thrives when the middle class

thrives.”

Discussion

1. Trump is known for saying insulting things about his political enemies and other countries. Do you think this could cause problems if he is elected?

2. Some people criticize Clinton for being a ‘career politician’ who has spent too much time in Washington. How could this possibly be a bad thing?

3. Who do you think will make a better president? Who do you think will win the election? Why?

Election Vocabulary Review

1. Primary Election2. General Election3. Candidate4. Vote [v]5. Political Party6. First Lady7. Publicity Stunt8. Term9. The White House10. The Oval Office

A. The building where the President lives

B. A group of people with similar political ideas

C. An election which ‘narrows down’ the number of candidates

D. The room where the President worksE. To choose who you think should win

the electionF. The time limit for the Presidency (or

other political office)G. The wife of the PresidentH. A person running to win an electionI. An action meant to gain attentionJ. An election which chooses the final

winner

THE END