Congressional Elections

Flashcards summarizing key concepts related to congressional elections, focusing on incumbency, party effects, and electoral practices.

Incumbency Advantage

The benefits that current officeholders have over challengers, making them more likely to be re-elected.

Sophomore Surge

The increase in the percentage of votes that a candidate receives when seeking re-election after their initial election.

Retirement Slump

The decline in votes that a party's nominee receives compared to the last election when an incumbent retires.

Slurge

The combined effect of the sophomore surge and retirement slump, traditionally worth about 8 percentage points.

Gerrymandering

The practice of drawing electoral district boundaries to benefit a particular political party.

Partisan Gerrymanders

District maps drawn to advantage a specific political party.

Pork Barrel Spending

Federal funds appropriated for localized projects secured solely or primarily to bring money to a representative's district.

Presidential Coattails

The phenomenon where candidates from the winning presidential party benefit and gain office by riding on the popularity of the president.

Midterm Effects

The trend where the president's party often loses seats in the House in midterm elections, typically after the initial honeymoon phase.

PACs (Political Action Committees)

Organizations that collect and distribute funds to influence the election outcomes, often supporting incumbents.