POL 101 - Lecture 8

Campaigns & Elections: One thing we should understand right at the beginning is that we, as Americans, participate in our government much more than other nations. We vote for offices which are usually selected by the committee in other countries.

Incumbent: Someone already in the office. Typically, it is easier for these individuals to win another election/re-election.

Career Politicians: those who make their living working for the government in
some capacity.

Primary Elections: when the people of a state vote for who they want to represent them from the party in the general election.

Convention Organizations: Used to show support for a candidate, helps a little bit in polling, good way to receive national attention.

General Election: time when people from all over the country vote to determine who will represent them in the White House and to the international community.

Congressional Requirements: 25 years old for House, 30 for Senate, have been a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years for the House, 9 for the Senate, and they must live in the state.

Midterm Elections: the election every 2nd year of a Presidents 4-year term, which often are seen as a referendum on how the country is going, or the policies of the sitting President.

Running for Congress (money, team, strategy, and message): you need money, team, strategy, and message to run for office. Money from donors and organizations. Team to campaign for you. Strategy allows voters to personally connect with politicians. Message is What are you running for? How do you plan to implement what you are elected for? Why do people want to vote for you? What sets you apart from the other candidate?

Candidate-centered Election: this involves the candidate
deciding to run, raising money, buying commercials, and organizing their own campaigns. We sometimes call this grass-roots campaigning.

Constitutional Amendments:

• XVI: The Congress shall have the power to lay and collect taxes on incomes (IRS).

• XVII: Changes framework of the Senate. Senators now elected by people, six year terms.

• XVIII: Prohibition Era

• XIX: Right to vote for women (19th, 1919)

• XX: Further election rules, sets up rules for death of President/role of Vice President in section 3 and section 4.

• XXI: Ends Prohibition Era