Your Team Has Been Tasked To Speak With High School Students

Your Team Has Been Tasked To Speak With High School Students About the

Your team has been tasked to speak with high school students about the election process in the United States. The students do not believe in the election process, that voting is important, or that their vote matters. Prepare a 5-7 slide power point presentation with detailed speaker's notes explaining the following: - A summary and explanation of the United State's election process - local and nationally - An explanation of the electoral college and what role it plays on the election process? - Take a position of whether voting is important including an explanation of your collective opinion A minimum of 2 sources must be used. Reminder - you will be graded on the detail and accuracy of information included, graphics, visual aides and your class presentation. Submit your power point response, and be prepared to present your team's lesson to the class. Format your response using APA guidelines

Paper For Above instruction

The election process in the United States is a fundamental cornerstone of American democracy, designed to ensure that citizens have a voice in selecting their leaders and shaping policies. Understanding this process is essential, especially for high school students who are approaching voting age and beginning to engage with civic responsibilities. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. election system, including both local and national levels, explains the Electoral College's role, and presents a collective stance on the importance of voting.

The U.S. Election Process: Local and National Levels

The United States employs a representative democracy where elected officials govern on behalf of the people. The election process encompasses several stages, starting with primary elections and caucuses to select party candidates, followed by the general election, where voters choose among the candidates to fill various government positions. On a local level, elections determine officials such as city council members, mayors, and school board members, directly impacting community policies and services. These local elections often have lower voter turnout but are crucial for community development and immediate governance.

On the national level, the presidential election is the most prominent. It occurs every four years, with citizens voting in November to elect the President and Vice President of the United States. Other federal elections include congressional races for the House of Representatives and the Senate. These elections shape national policy, affect foreign relations, and determine the party's control of Congress, which influences legislation and governance. The process involves multiple steps, including voter registration, campaigning, voting, and vote tallies, culminating in the certification of election results.

The Electoral College and Its Role in the Election

The Electoral College is a unique mechanism established by the U.S. Constitution to elect the President and Vice President. It comprises 538 electors, with each state allocated a number of electors based on its congressional representation (House plus Senate seats). When voters cast their ballots in a presidential election, they are technically voting for a slate of electors pledged to their candidate. These electors then gather in their respective states to vote for the president on behalf of the voters.

The role of the Electoral College is to create a buffer between the popular vote and the actual election of the president, aiming to balance the influence of large and small states. While most states use a winner-takes-all approach, where the candidate with the most votes receives all electoral votes, a few states allocate votes proportionally. The candidate who secures an absolute majority of electoral votes (at least 270) wins the presidency. This system has occasionally led to situations where a candidate wins the popular vote but loses the election due to the Electoral College outcome, raising ongoing debates about its fairness.

The Importance of Voting

Many young Americans question whether their vote truly matters, especially given the complexities of the electoral system. However, voting is a fundamental civic duty that empowers citizens and influences government decisions. When individuals abstain from voting, they remove their voice from the democratic process, allowing others to decide their future on their behalf. Voting can lead to policy changes that directly impact issues such as education, healthcare, and social justice.

Our collective opinion emphasizes that voting is crucial because it sustains democracy, gives meaning to the rights fought for by previous generations, and helps shape society's future. Youth participation in elections is particularly significant because it encourages continued civic engagement and ensures that diverse perspectives are represented. Moreover, every vote counts, especially in local elections where turnout is typically lower, and individual votes can sway the outcomes.

Conclusion

The U.S. election process is a complex but essential system that embodies democratic principles. Understanding the roles of different levels of elections and the Electoral College helps demystify the process and underscores the importance of voter participation. Despite skepticism, voting remains a vital mechanism for shaping national and local policies and ensuring that citizens' voices are heard. Encouraging high school students to recognize their power as voters fosters a more engaged and representative democracy.

References

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• Fiorina, M. P., & Abrams, L. S. (2019). Political Science: An Introduction. Routledge.
• The Electoral College. (2021). U.S. Election Assistance Commission. https://www.eac.gov
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• Mitchell, G. (2020). Voting rights and reforms in the United States. Harvard University Press.
• U.S. Election Process. (2023). Britannica Encyclopedia. https://www.britannica.com/topic/United-States-election
• United States Election System. (2022). Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org
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