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functions of political parties - recruiting and nominating candidates - educating the electorate about campaign issues - helping candidates win election - monitoring actions of office holders electorate group of qualified voters The American political process is characterized by... ...a two-party system ...rarely win elections. Third parties... similarities between political parties - organize to win elections - influence public policy - reflect both liberal and conservative views - defines themselves in a way to win majority support political center where the most voters are found; political parties try to appeal to them differences between political parties found in a party's platform and reflected in their campaigning platform stated goals of a political party third parties - introduce new ideas - often revolve around a political personality Teddy Roosevelt a political personality associated with third parties Strategies for evaluating campaign literature - separating fact from opinion - detecting bias - identifying propaganda - evaluating sources bias prejudice role of the mass media in elections - identifying candidates - emphasizing selected issues - writing editiorials and creating political cartoons - broadcasting different points of view Running for political office is... ...expensive Effects of Rising Campaign Costs - require candidates to conduct extensive fund raising - limit opportunities to run for public office - give an advantage to the wealthy - encorage the development of PACs - give special interest groups increased influence PAC Political Action Committee campaign finance reform limits exist on the amount individuals may contribute to candidates and campaigns registration required before a citizen may vote Qualifications to register to vote in Virginia - 18 years of age by the general election - U.S. citizen - resident of Virginia and your precinct Where to register - registrar's office - DMV - other designated sites Registration closes... ...22 days before elections factors that predict who will vote - age - education - income reasons citizens fail to vote - lack of interest - failure to register there is usually greater turn out at these elections presidential system used to elect the president and vice president electoral college http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3141/3004030041_73807b9b8c.jpg how electors are chosen for each state popular vote the winner take all system results in this the targeting of large states when small states still matter in tight elections each states electors are equal to that states - congressional representation Why does the electoral college favor a two party system? there is a requirement for a majority to win