Study the past if you would define the future." - Confucius
In order to understand the basic principles of an election, it is essential to look at history and acknowledge the works of the Founding Fathers, who provided the foundation for our country today. Many of the requirements for voting, although changed, can be found in documents such as The Constitution, The Bill of Rights, and The Declaration of Independence. Many Americans lack a basic understanding of the hard work put in towards being able to attain freedom, and the privilege that is voting.
The Founding Fathers created a system in which the American people could have a say in the government and their leaders.
Candidates promote themselves to American people though many different means, including advertisement and buttons. Presidential Elections." History, www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/ presidential-elections. Accessed 21 Sept. 2017. |
Take a look at all of the elections throughout history!"Presidential Elections -Everything You Need to Know About all Aspects of the Elections." History Central, www.historycentral.com/elections/. Accessed 18 Oct. 2017.
|
So much has history has occurred over the last 200 years.
Technology
The first televised presidential debate took place on September 36, 1960, when US Senator John F. Kennedy faced off against Vice President Richard Nixon. The debate was one of the most-watched broadcasts in US history.
This led to the popular presidential debate today and the widely televised debates in today's elections. Read More @: 1960, First Televised Presidential Debate Botelho, Greg. “The Day Politics and TV Changed Forever.” CNN, Cable News Network, 14 Mar. 2016, www.cnn.com/2016/02/29/politics/jfk-nixon-debate/index.html. |
Political Parties
Through the history of elections, the dominating political parties change. Each election year varies in dominant parties and the artifact shows the years and the progression of the elections.
Check Out: Historical Presidential Election for a more detailed and extensive map through 2016.
“Historical Presidential Elections.” Historical U.S. Presidential Elections 1789-2016, www.270towin.com/historical-presidential-elections/.
The two major political parties in America are Democrats and Republicans. People can choose to be a part of either of these based on their beliefs or can choose to not belong to a party.
"Democrat vs. Republican." Diffen, www.diffen.com/difference/ Democrat_vs_Republican. Accessed 16 Oct. 2017. "Crash Course" explains US Politics in video form.
“Where US Politics Came From: Crash Course US History #9” Crash Course, Youtube, 4 Apr. 2013. |
The logos of the two political parties. The elephant represents Republicans while the donkey represents the Democrats.
|
Voting
In 1789 when George Washington was elected president, only white men who owned property could vote. Now, the 25th, 19th, and 26th Amendments allow all American citizens over the age of 18 the right to vote.
Election Night, 1973
In this photograph taken by Lewis Lloyd of individuals waiting for election results of the municipal election in Atlanta, GA. This greatly reflects the amount of change that the nation has gone through throughout the years. Nowadays, everything is online and in digital form - people no longer wait for election results in a crowded place.
Boyd, Lewis. Election Night. Oct. 1973. Atlanta History Center, Digital Resources of the Kenan Research Center, album.atlantahistorycenter.com/cdm/ ref/collection/byd/id/1826. Accessed 21 Sept. 2017. |