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Introduction Election Day Voting Election of the President Candidates Political Parties Primary Election National Conventions National Conventions - An Inside View Candidates at the Convention The Campaign Polling Places The Electoral College The Electoral Map The Inauguration

  

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Books & Reading

Books & Reading

Is there a law against false advertising in political ads?

How much money do you think a presidential candidate needs to raise for his or her campaign?

Why do candidates need money?

Who pays for presidential campaigns?


Learn About Presidential Campaigns and Candidates

 

Primary Election Political Parties Election Day Voting Election of the President Candidates National Conventions National Conventions - An Inside View Candidates at the Convention The Campaign Polling Places The Electoral College The Electoral Map The Inauguration

 
The Campaign


Uncle Sam, the word spy, wants you to take a minute and test your knowledge.

Match the word(s) in the left-hand column to complete the questions or statements in the right-hand column. Check your answers.

Separating fact from opinion, detecting bias, evaluating sources, identifying propaganda A. A major difference between presidential campaigns and congressional campaigns is what?
Iowa B. Usually the first crucial test of strength in a presidential campaign comes in where?
Political Action Committee C. Short television ads promoting the candidacy of a campaigner are called ____________ in the language of professional campaign managers.
spots D. One of the great fund raising innovations in the 2004 presidential campaign of Vermont Governor Howard Dean and then fully implemented by the Obama campaign was the use of what?
the Internet, blogs and You Tube E. Strategies for evaluating campaign speeches
Congressional incumbents can more easily avoid responsibility F. Group set up by corporation, union, or interest group to raise and spend campaign money from voluntary donations.
Leading up to the 1924 presidential election G. When was radio first used by presidential candidates in their campaigns?

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While presidential campaigns traditionally begin after Labor Day, they actual kick off at the nominating conventions held over the summer. Once the conventions have ended, the candidates launch campaigns; some begin even before the conventions.

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Surf with Uncle Sam

Word Spy
Word Spy

Projects You Can Do

Start a collection of election memorabilia.

Campaign buttons are a popular thing to collect. Inauguration buttons are also popular after the candidate is elected. Some people save hats with the candidate's slogan which are worn at the political conventions for each party.

Items to collect:

  • T-shirts
  • Bumper stickers
  • Posters
  • Campaign signs
  • Ball caps
  • Items with the candidate's name or slogan
  • Printed copies of slogans
  • Newspaper articles
  • Vote tallies from primaries
  • News headlines
  • Dated copies of actual election day results
  • Magazine articles (put in sheet protectors and save in a binder)
  • toys
  • Quotations of the candidates
  • Coffee mugs
  • Fans
  • Postcards
  • Keychains
  • Postcards
  • Handbills
  • Ballots or samples cut from local newspapers
  • Banners
  • Toys
  • Armbands
Where to get collectables:
  • Most collectible memorabilia can be purchased.
  • Find some items on the Internet. Try eBay.
  • Check political party headquarters.
  • Watch at garage sales.
  • Ask friends and family members.

 

Awards

 

The Dirksen Congressional CenterCopyright 2008