1.5 The Incumbency Advantage

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the incumbency advantage in U.S. politics, including reelection rates, the impact of gerrymandering, and specific advantages that incumbents hold.

Incumbency Advantage

The perceived benefits that current officeholders have over challengers during elections, contributing to high reelection rates.

Gerrymandering

The deliberate manipulation of district boundaries to favor a particular political party.

Reapportionment

The redistribution of the 435 seats in the House of Representatives based on changes in state populations.

Redistricting

The process of changing district boundaries after reapportionment, typically controlled by the party in power in the state legislature.

Packing

A gerrymandering technique where district lines are drawn to concentrate opposition voters into a few districts.

Cracking

A gerrymandering technique that disperses opposition voters across many districts to dilute their voting power.

Frankling Privilege

The ability of incumbents to send mail to constituents at no cost, often used for campaign purposes.

Contiguous Districts

A requirement that all parts of a congressional district must be connected, not separated by other districts.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

The Supreme Court ruling that racial gerrymandering is illegal.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Established the 'one man, one vote' principle for state legislative districts to prevent rural overrepresentation.

Patronage

The resources and benefits available to incumbents that can be used to gain favor with constituents.

PAC Contributions

Financial support from Political Action Committees that significantly aids incumbents in their reelection efforts.