Unit 3 - Election 2024 (The Primary that Didn't Happen) - Politics 4

Classroom Resources
Unit 3 - Politics
Ohio High School Social Studies - American Government and Economics

socialstudiesgames.us

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a...

Election 2024 Detailed Summary

Introduction

Focus on the upcoming election featuring K Harris vs. Donald Trump.
Examination of how the election process has evolved since the 2016 primaries.
Understanding 2016 Primaries

The primaries serve as a critical election before the presidential election, determining the candidates for each party.
In 2016, Donald Trump was elected as the Republican nominee, facing off against Hillary Clinton.
Primary Process Overview

Republican voters participate in a series of state elections to select their candidate.
Early voting states play a significant role in shaping the primary season, including Iowa, Nevada, Colorado, and New Hampshire.
Candidates accumulate points based on the votes they receive in each state's primary election.
State-by-State Voting Mechanism

Primaries occur on different dates, meaning that candidates accumulate points over several weeks.
Candidates need to raise funds to sustain their campaigns, as traveling and advertising are costly.
Early success in states like Iowa and New Hampshire is crucial for gaining momentum and attracting further donations.
Significance of Early States

Iowa and New Hampshire receive significant media attention, impacting candidates' visibility and fundraising efforts.
Candidates who perform poorly in these states may struggle to continue their campaigns due to a lack of funds and support.
Criticism arises from the idea that late primary states may feel their votes are inconsequential if the nomination is often decided by earlier states.
Concerns with the Primary System

The staggered nature of primaries raises fairness issues concerning representation across the country.
Some political analysts and activists argue for a unified primary election day to ensure equal influence for all states.
There are ongoing debates within the parties about the current system and potential reforms, as some states feel marginalized.
Primary Results Example (2016)

In the Iowa caucus, Ted Cruz received the most votes, with Donald Trump following closely.
Both candidates scored delegates, which are crucial for securing the nomination later on.
The Democratic primaries showed a close split between candidates, affecting the allocation of delegates.
Democratic Primaries and Superdelegates

The Democratic Party incorporates superdelegates, who are party leaders and elected officials with the ability to influence the nomination process.
This system means that superdelegates' votes carry significant weight and can overshadow popular vote outcomes in primaries.
In 2016, Bernie Sanders garnered substantial grassroots support but lost the nomination due to the superdelegate system favoring Hillary Clinton.
Historical Context of Superdelegates

Superdelegates were introduced after the 1972 election, where the Democratic nominee (McGovern) suffered a significant defeat.
The creation of superdelegates aimed to provide party leadership with a mechanism to guide the nomination process and prevent another grassroots misfire.
Critics argue this undermines the democratic process within the party, as many feel their votes are less impactful.
Conclusion of 2016 Cycle

By the end of the primary season, Donald Trump was confirmed as the Republican candidate, and Hillary Clinton was endorsed by the Democrats.
The primary process emphasizes the accumulation of delegates and fundraising as integral to a successful campaign.
Looking Ahead to 2024

Discussion of specific ballot choices voters will encounter, including candidates for the Senate and House of Representatives.
In Ohio, voters will choose between Sherrod Brown (Democrat) and Bernie Moreno (Republican) for the Senate seat.
Voters will also select their representative in Congress, with a focus on the importance of these positions in influencing laws and policies.
Emphasis on the role of elected officials in representing the people of their districts and making legislative decisions on their behalf.
Notable mention of the challenges candidates face in gaining visibility and support during elections, highlighting the importance of active voter participation.