Untitled Flashcard Set
Chapter 18: The U.S. Presidential Race
Understanding the Presidential Race
The U.S. presidential race is complex due to various factors including the electoral system, party dynamics, and the role of incumbents.
The invisible primary sets the stage for candidates through public opinion polls and fundraising comparisons before voting begins.
Incumbents, or sitting presidents, have a significant advantage in seeking re-election due to established recognition and resources.
The Incumbent Advantage
The incumbent advantage refers to the benefits that a sitting president has when running for a second term, including media coverage and established donor networks.
Statistically, incumbents have an 80% chance of winning re-election, highlighting the power of incumbency in U.S. politics.
Tools available to incumbents include the ability to enact policies, utilize government resources, and leverage public visibility.
Primary Elections and Caucuses
Closed primaries restrict voting to registered party members, while open primaries allow any registered voter to participate, regardless of party affiliation.
Blanket primaries enable voters to select candidates from multiple parties on the same ballot, promoting cross-party voting.
Iowa's caucus is significant as it is the first major contest in the presidential nomination process, influencing momentum for candidates.
Key Events in the Nomination Process
Front-loading refers to states scheduling their primaries early to maximize influence on the nomination process.
Super Tuesday is a pivotal day when numerous states hold primaries, often narrowing the field of candidates significantly.
The timing of primaries can disadvantage third-party candidates, as they may struggle to gain visibility and support against established party candidates.
The Electoral College and General Elections
The electoral college was established as a compromise between direct popular vote and congressional selection of the president, balancing power among states.
Plurality voting allows a candidate to win without an absolute majority, impacting the winner-takes-all nature of the electoral college.
Midterm elections occur halfway through a president's term, often serving as a referendum on the incumbent's performance.
Chapter 16: Linkage Institutions and Political Parties
Linkage Institutions Defined
Linkage institutions connect citizens to the government, ensuring representation and accountability.
Examples include political parties, interest groups, and the media, all of which play roles in informing and mobilizing voters.
Political parties specifically work to influence voter behavior and policy outcomes through organized efforts.
The Role of Political Parties
Political parties mobilize voters using data-driven strategies, outreach, and community engagement to increase participation.
Robocalls are an example of technology used by parties to reach voters with pre-recorded messages efficiently.
Parties also focus on increasing voter registration through advocacy and direct outreach efforts.
Education and Training within Parties
Political parties educate their members through workshops and training seminars on various campaign-related topics.
Training for candidates includes guidance on public speaking, campaign strategy, and fundraising techniques.
Platforms serve as guiding documents for parties, outlining their principles and positions on key issues.
Major Beliefs of Political Parties
Democrats typically advocate for a larger government role in economic issues, supporting regulations and social welfare programs.
Republicans generally favor a smaller government with less economic intervention, reflecting their positions on taxation and spending.
Conventions play a crucial role in the political process by nominating candidates and establishing party platforms, mobilizing support for campaigns.
The Role and Functions of Political Parties
Purpose of Conventions
Conventions serve as formal gatherings for nominating candidates and establishing party platforms, crucial for mobilizing supporters during campaigns.
They also facilitate the selection of delegates and the adoption of party rules, ensuring a structured approach to party organization.
Conventions provide a platform for party leaders to unify and rally support, fostering a sense of community and shared goals among members.
Historical context: The first national convention was held by the Democratic Party in 1832, setting a precedent for future political gatherings.
Case study: The 2016 Republican National Convention showcased the party's internal divisions and the importance of unity in campaigning.
Candidate Recruitment and Influence
Political parties actively recruit candidates, looking for individuals who can effectively represent party values and appeal to voters.
A runner-up in a primary can influence the party by pushing for the inclusion of their campaign issues in the party platform, thereby shaping future policies.
They may also leverage their support base to become prominent candidates in future elections, maintaining their influence within the party.
Example: Bernie Sanders' 2016 campaign significantly shifted the Democratic Party's focus towards progressive issues, impacting the 2020 platform.
The role of party leaders is crucial in identifying candidates who can attract diverse voter demographics.
Campaign Management Strategies
Political parties manage campaigns through strategic planning, which includes setting goals, identifying target demographics, and creating messaging strategies.
Staff coordination is essential for ensuring that all campaign activities are aligned and executed efficiently, from grassroots efforts to media outreach.
Fundraising is a critical component, as campaigns require substantial financial resources for advertising, events, and outreach efforts.
Voter mobilization strategies are employed to increase turnout, including door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and utilizing social media.
The importance of data analytics in modern campaigns allows parties to tailor their messages to specific voter segments.
Campaign Finance and Media Strategies
Federal Election Commission (FEC) and Contribution Limits
The FEC is an independent regulatory agency that oversees federal campaign finance laws, ensuring transparency and compliance.
Current contribution limits dictate how much individuals and organizations can donate to candidates and political parties, aiming to prevent corruption.
The biggest expenditure for political parties is advertising, which consumes billions of dollars to effectively reach and persuade voters.
Example: In the 2020 election cycle, over $6 billion was spent on advertising by various political entities, highlighting the financial stakes involved.
The need for fundraising is driven by the desire to gain or maintain political power and influence policy outcomes.
Media Strategies in Campaigns
Candidates rely on two forms of TV placement: paid media (advertisements) and free media (news coverage), each serving distinct purposes in campaign visibility.
The media strategy is shifting towards online platforms and social media, allowing candidates to engage directly with voters and build their personal brands.
Social media enables rapid dissemination of information and grassroots mobilization, changing the landscape of political communication.
The DNC (Democratic National Committee) and RNC (Republican National Committee) coordinate national party campaigns, meeting every four years at the national convention to strategize and unify efforts.
The role of media in shaping public perception and limiting coverage of minority party candidates poses challenges for third-party campaigns.
Party Dynamics and Electoral Systems
Party Realignment and Dealignment
Party realignment occurs when significant shifts in party affiliation happen, often due to national crises or demographic changes.
Critical elections fundamentally reshape the political landscape, marking significant transitions in party dominance.
Historical examples of political realignment include the elections of 1800, 1828, 1860, 1932, and 1980, each representing a shift in voter coalitions.
Party dealignment refers to individuals becoming less attached to a political party, often leading to increased independent voting.
The concept of divided government arises when control of the executive and legislative branches is split between different parties, complicating governance.
Third Parties and Electoral Challenges
Third parties form when groups feel unrepresented by the dominant parties, often focusing on specific issues or ideologies.
Ideological parties advocate for comprehensive beliefs, while splinter parties break away from larger parties to address specific grievances.
Economic-protest parties, like the Populist Party, focus on economic issues and advocate for reforms to improve the economy.
Single-issue parties concentrate on one specific issue, such as the Green Party's focus on environmental concerns.
Barriers to third-party success include winner-take-all elections and single-member districts, which limit their representation in government.
In what ways do primary elections differ from caucuses, and why is Iowa's role in the electoral process considered unique?