midtermstudy_guide_winter2025

What are the Articles of Confederation?

First constitution of the United States, creating a confederation of sovereign states with key weaknesses such as lack of central authority, no power to tax, and inability to regulate interstate commerce.

What was the Virginia Plan?

Proposal for a strong national government with three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial, with representation based on population, favoring larger states.

What is the Great Compromise?

Compromise between New Jersey and Virginia Plans during the Constitutional Convention establishing a bicameral legislature: House of Representatives (population-based) and Senate (equal representation).

What do reelection rates indicate?

Statistics showing high incumbency rates, typically over 90% in the House, reflecting implications of voter behavior and trends in congressional elections.

What is the Electoral Connection?

Link between electoral incentives and legislator behavior; focuses on how representatives connect with their constituents.

What is gerrymandering?

Manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party, including strategies like cracking and packing.

What is a sophomore surge?

Increase in support a candidate receives during their second election as incumbents.

What is a retirement slump?

Drop in vote share that occurs when an incumbent retires, affecting their party's chances in the election.

What are diffuse benefits?

Benefits spread broadly across the population, such as social programs.

What are concentrated benefits?

Benefits targeted to specific groups with specific interests.

What is incumbency advantage?

Factors such as name recognition, fundraising advantages, constituent services, gerrymandering, and partisan loyalty contributing to high reelection rates of incumbents despite public disapproval.