Campaigns & Elections Review

 What are the purposes of a primary?

• To narrow down each political party’s candidates
• To allow party members/voters to choose who will appear on the general election ballot

What is the difference between a primary and a caucus?

• Primary: Private voting, like a regular election
• Caucus: Local meetings where people openly discuss and vote

_______has the first caucus, while_____ has the first primary.

iowa; New Hampshire

A ______ is the current office holder who is seeking reelection.

incumbent

What are the three purposes of the national convention?

• Officially nominate the party’s presidential candidate

• Unite and energize the party

• Set the party platform (beliefs and goals)

What is a reason for candidates needing to raise so much money?

• Campaigning is expensive — ads, staff, travel, and events cost a lot

How many representatives does each state get for the Electoral College?

• The same as its total number in Congress: House members + 2 Senators

What role does the media have in the election of the president?

 They inform voters, shape opinions, cover campaigns, and can influence public perception

Explain the role television has played with how candidates campaign.

 TV forces candidates to focus on image and quick messaging; ads and televised debates influence voter impressions

What are the requirements to vote?

• U.S. citizen

• At least 18 years old

• Registered to vote

• Resident of the state

What problems exist in our country for voting?

• Low turnout

• Registration issues

• Long lines or limited polling locations

• Lack of awareness/education on issues

Why don’t people vote?

• They feel their vote doesn’t matter

• Lack of interest or information

• Too busy or inconvenient

• Don’t like the candidates

How do debates impact an election?

• They let voters compare candidates’ ideas, personalities, and leadership styles

Why would a candidate choose not to participate in a debate?

 They may fear hurting their image, feel they are ahead and don’t want to risk it, or want to control their messaging

What is the purpose of the Electoral College?

To formally elect the president using electors representing states, balancing influence between large and small states

Closed Primary

A party's nominating election which only declared party members could vote (24 states use)

Open Primary

Any qualified voter can cast a ballot (26 states use)

semi-closed

both qualified voter can cast a ballot and party members could vote (illinois has this)