Political Parties, Candidates, and Elections

Instructions: Complete the following worksheet. Answer each essay question in Part 1 in 250-300 words each. Then, complete Part 2: Elections and Voting Matrix and Reflection. Part 1: Political Parties and Candidates Respond to each essay prompt in 250-300 words each. 1. Political parties have a distinct role in selecting candidates and providing cues for how elected officials should govern once in office. Provide two methods for each and explain the differences. How does this approach differ from how candidates were selected and elected historically? 2. What role do special interests groups have in candidate selection and the election process? Once in office, how might special interest groups help an elected official stay? Cite specific examples in your response. 3. How is new proposed legislation drafted today? What role does the political party have in drafting possible legislation? How might a special interest group be involved in drafting legislation? Cite specific ways in which interest groups shape policy agendas. Part 2: Elections and Voting Matrix and Reflection Research the types of elections and voting behavior and then complete the Elections and Voting Matrix below. For each election listed, you must provide a brief description of the election and then describe typical voter behavior for that election. Space is provided for you to insert up to three additional types of elections. You must add at least one additional election type to the list. When you describe each election, include information such as the purpose of the election, when that type of election is typically held, if it is a partisan election where only Republicans and Democrats are eligible to participate, how winners are determined such as by majority or plurality, and any other items you consider relevant. In the voter behavior cell, include typical voter behavior for that type of election such as the voter turnout, a profile of voters who usually vote in that election, and any other voter behavior you consider useful. Type of Election Description of Election Voter Behavior Presidential Mid-term General Presidential primary National State Local or city Reflection: Write a 150-300-word reflection on the Elections and Voting Matrix. Consider any of the following questions, or share another perspective from your learning. What did you find most illuminating about what you learned researching elections and voter behaviors? How might your learning from this assignment influence your voting behavior in the future? What advice might you give to a newly registered voter who is preparing to vote for the first time?