The American Election
Pg 97
Campaign time line

Liberty: freedom to act and think as one
chooses but no infringement on freedom of
others
 Individualism-
people should take initiative to be
self sufficient, free of government restraint
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2
November-December

Step 1. Candidates declare their intention to
run for office
 This officially happens late November but
often the candidate are established prior to this
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3
January- June

Step 2. Candidates travel the nation, visiting
caucus’s and primaries to try to win that
states delegates for the national convention
 Step2b: FUNDRAISING!!! Show me the
money, the more primaries you win the more
money people will contribute to your
campaign.
 IF you are not with a major party, you are also
campaigning, as well as petitioning to qualify
for a certificate of nomination.
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4
July/August

Step 3: Republican National convention.
 By
this time the candidate is ‘known’ but this is
where the official delegates and super delegates
cast their votes.
 The Vice-presidential nominee is announced
 Lots and lots of speeches & parties
 Delegates and super delegates
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5
August/September
you need to draw in this box, it is not on your timeline

Step 3b: Democratic national convention
 By
this time the candidate is ‘known’ but this is
where the official delegates and super delegates
cast their votes.
 The Vice-presidential nominee is announced
 Lots and lots of speeches & parties
 Delegates and super delegates
© 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.
6
Sept- Nov.
you need to draw in this box, it is not on your timeline

Candidates travel the nation, visiting safe
states and battleground states to try to win that
states popular vote for the edge on the electors
in January.
 FUNDRAISING!!! Show me the money,
more more more….. You have a reading on
this tonight.
© 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.
7
1st Tuesday in November

Step 4: Voters around the country, cast their
vote for the presidential electors (but they
don’t know it)
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8
1st Monday …..in December

Step 5: Electors from all 50 states vote for the
president in their state capitols.
 Sworn
to but not ‘obligated’ to vote for the party
that elects them….review the jackonins stuff
 270
to win!
© 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.
9
January 6th

Step 6: President of the Senate counts electoral
votes.
 Candidate must receive more than 50% to win
(270)
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10
January 20th
 Step

7: New president & vice president is sworn in
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will
faithfully execute the office of President of the
United States, and will to the best of my
ability, preserve, protect, and defend the
Constitution of the United States."
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