Elections Review

These flashcards cover key concepts related to elections, including processes, strategies, and the Electoral College.

What are the three types of primaries?

Closed Primary, Open Primary, Blanket Primary.

What was a notable feature of the 1968 Presidential Election?

There were no binding primaries.

What strategy did Jimmy Carter use during the 1976 Presidential Election?

Win big up front and then build a campaign.

What is frontloading in the context of elections?

Scheduling a large number of primaries early in the election cycle to gain momentum.

How are electoral votes distributed in a winner-take-all system?

The candidate who wins a majority of the popular vote in a state gets all its electoral votes.

What happens if there is no majority winner in the Electoral College?

The election goes to the HOUSE of Representatives, where each state casts one vote.

How is California's electoral delegate selection process characterized?

Each party must file a list of electors by October 1 of the election year.

What are the effects of the Electoral College on campaigning strategies?

Candidates focus on large states and those with close elections.

What is a potential consequence of a candidate winning a narrow victory in a few large states?

They might win the presidency without winning the majority of the popular vote.

What is a proposal for reforming the Electoral College?

State laws that commit to allocate electors based on the National Popular vote.

What advantages do incumbents hold in House elections?

Name recognition, franking, and ease of fundraising.

What influences local elections?

Name recognition, party affiliation, and endorsements from opinion leaders.

What are PACs?

Political Action Committees that are organized groups pursuing specific interests.