02-18-2004, 04:14 PM
Jarulf, I've got about half an hour before class (Roman satire) and ~2 years of American Government class to remember. Let's see if I can try answering some of this.
America has the system of "primaries" to winnow down the candidates. The Republican party's still backing George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, but the Democrats need to figure out who will best represent their party in the upcoming election out of the 10 or so candidates with enough money and support to campaign. Next, states hold primaries to decide which candidate gets the most voter support. I voted for Kerry in the Virginia primary.
I'm not entirely too sure on this, but I believe what happens next is that the candidates with the most support (most likely Dean and Kerry) will go on to a nationwide vote, and the nominee for the Democrats will be chosen. That person will then choose a vice-president running mate, and go up against Dubya in the election this November.
I know some countries have a completely open election, where anyone can get on the ballot and run for office. The California recall election was a lot like this--put up $10,000, and you're on the ballot. But I think the primary process does a better job of singling out exceptional people worthy to represent their party of choice.
Yeah, the Dubya/Gore election made a laughingstock out of our nation's voting process. But it's happened before. Back in the early 1800s, voting was done differently. People would vote representatives into Congress, and those representatives would vote on the candidates. Somebody by the name of John Quincy Adams wiggled his way into the Presidential seat because of miscounted votes and misunderstood voting. I've got notes about it someplace, and if I wasn't so pushed for time I'd go find them.
As for the Electoral College (how people can "win" states, etc.), people have mixed feelings about it in the US as well. Again, I'll try to explain more when I have more time.
Hope this tried answering some questions. :unsure:
America has the system of "primaries" to winnow down the candidates. The Republican party's still backing George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, but the Democrats need to figure out who will best represent their party in the upcoming election out of the 10 or so candidates with enough money and support to campaign. Next, states hold primaries to decide which candidate gets the most voter support. I voted for Kerry in the Virginia primary.
I'm not entirely too sure on this, but I believe what happens next is that the candidates with the most support (most likely Dean and Kerry) will go on to a nationwide vote, and the nominee for the Democrats will be chosen. That person will then choose a vice-president running mate, and go up against Dubya in the election this November.
I know some countries have a completely open election, where anyone can get on the ballot and run for office. The California recall election was a lot like this--put up $10,000, and you're on the ballot. But I think the primary process does a better job of singling out exceptional people worthy to represent their party of choice.
Yeah, the Dubya/Gore election made a laughingstock out of our nation's voting process. But it's happened before. Back in the early 1800s, voting was done differently. People would vote representatives into Congress, and those representatives would vote on the candidates. Somebody by the name of John Quincy Adams wiggled his way into the Presidential seat because of miscounted votes and misunderstood voting. I've got notes about it someplace, and if I wasn't so pushed for time I'd go find them.
As for the Electoral College (how people can "win" states, etc.), people have mixed feelings about it in the US as well. Again, I'll try to explain more when I have more time.
Hope this tried answering some questions. :unsure:
UPDATE: Spamblaster.