Question 1

What are the five pitfalls of incumbency according to Patterson?

Disruptive Issues, Personal Misconduct, Midterm Election Problem, Primary Challengers, General Election Challengers

What are Disruptive Issues in relation to incumbency?

When voters blame incumbents for political or economic crises, leading to loss of support.

What is Personal Misconduct in relation to incumbency?

Scandals or unethical behavior that damages an incumbent’s public image and costs them re-election.

What is the Midterm Election Problem for incumbents?

Lower voter turnout in midterms typically hurts the president’s party, putting its incumbents at greater risk.

What are Primary Challengers in relation to incumbency?

Strong opponents from the same party who challenge vulnerable or moderate incumbents in primary elections.

What are General Election Challengers in relation to incumbency?

High-profile, well-funded opponents (like governors or attorneys general) who can defeat incumbents in general elections, especially in the Senate.

Why do these pitfalls matter despite incumbency advantages?

They show that even strong incumbents are vulnerable under certain political conditions.