New Gov Activity 3.2 Doc

Activity 3.2 Document: The Political Process and the Path to the Presidency: How Democracy Works in Action Click Next to read more about the political process and the path to the presidency.

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The American political system connects citizens to the government through political parties, interest groups, mass media, public opinion, and campaign funding. Political parties organize and nominate candidates, while interest groups advocate for specific causes by influencing politicians. The media acts as a watchdog, informing the public and holding officials accountable. Public opinion, shaped by media and interest groups, guides politicians in making decisions that reflect the will of the people. Campaign funding fuels elections, with large donations from Political Action Committees (PACs) playing a crucial role. In the electoral process, candidates first run local and national campaigns to gather support. The nominating process involves primaries and caucuses, where parties select their presidential nominees. Afterward, the Electoral College decides the winner in the presidential election. Each state has electors based on population, and a candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win. The Electoral College, created by the Framers to balance influence between large and small states, remains a topic of debate, with some arguing it's outdated and others defending its preservation of state representation. Key elements like front-loading (states holding early primaries) and National Party Conventions play significant roles in shaping the election. Understanding this process helps citizens see how leaders are chosen and how the political system functions in a democracy.