Elections and Campaigns
plurality voting
A system in which the single winner of the most votes wins the election (even if the candidate does not capture a majority of the vote).
straight-ticket voting
Selection of a party's candidates across all offices on the ballot.
casework
Services provided by members of Congress and their staff to assist constituents in dealing with bureaucratic agencies.
The Electoral College was established in which of the following?
Article II, section 1 of the Constitution
What was the average amount spent by candidates who won Senate seats in 2020?
$27 million
Roughly what percentage of incumbents win reelection in any given election cycle?
90 percent
caucus
A local meeting of party members in which the party's nominee is selected.
general election
A national election held every two years as required by the Constitution.
primary election
A type of election where voters decide which party candidate will be on the general election ballot.
closed primary
A type of primary election in which voters are required to be registered with a political party in order to participate in voting for that party's nominees.
open primary
A type of primary election in which voters do not have to be registered with a political party in order to participate in voting for that party's nominees.
Electoral College
An institution created by the Constitution to permit indirect election of the president.
hard money
Donations given directly to a candidate for congressional office or the presidency.
527 organizations
Groups that are created primarily to support or oppose candidates for elective office, although they are not allowed to coordinate their activities with a specific candidate or political party. Also called "issue advocacy groups," 527s are tax-exempt and regulated by the U.S. tax code (rather than the Federal Election Commission) under Title 26, Section 527.
What distinguishes a closed primary system from an open primary system?
In a closed primary, voters may only vote on the ballot for the party with which they are registered.
What was the difference in the average amounts raised by incumbents and challengers in 2020 House races?
Incumbents raised about six times as much as challengers did
Which two states traditionally hold the first caucus and primary of the presidential nomination season?
Iowa and New Hampshire
According to opponents of the Electoral College, which is a disadvantage of using the system to select the president?
It makes it possible for a candidate to lose the popular vote but still win the presidency.
According to supporters of the Electoral College, which is an advantage of using the system to select the president?
It preserves Federalism as the Founders envisioned it.
Which of the following states does not use a winner take all system to determine which party's slate of electors will participate in the Electoral College?
Maine
Which of the following was a battle ground state in the 2020 presidential election?
North Carolina
political action committees
Organizations established by individuals or private groups that spend money to elect or defeat candidates. Political action committees are regulated under both federal and state law.
Which of the following accurately describes the role of modern parties in political campaigns?
Parties exercise less control over electoral politics than in the past.
national conventions
Party meetings held every four years to establish the party platforms and officially nominate presidential candidates to run in the general election.
Which of the following statements about caucuses is true?
Party members attending caucuses often will hear speeches and engage in discussions and negotiations
Which of the following currently pertains to the use of "soft money" in campaigns?
The BCRA banned unregulated soft money donations to political parties.
Which of the following BEST summarizes the Supreme Court's decision in the case of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission?
The Court ruled that political advertising by corporations could not be restricted by the government.
franking
The ability of members of Congress to send official mail free of postal charges. Franking privileges are restricted to mail sent only within the member's district and cannot be used for mass mailings in the 90 days prior to an election.
incumbency advantage
The electoral edge enjoyed by members of Congress running for reelection, which derives from their legislative experience, communication with constituents, and resources from previous campaigns and campaign networks.
frontloading
The phenomenon of states moving their primaries earlier and earlier in the election season in order to have more influence over the selection of party presidential nominees.
electoral votes
The presidential vote choices of electors who have been selected through the state popular vote to participate in the Electoral College.
political legitimacy
The view of citizens that their government has the lawful authority to govern.
In addition to greater fundraising prowess, what else contributes to the electoral advantage enjoyed by incumbents?
Their work in Congress enables them to build name recognition and a good reputation among their constituents.
How are the presidential nominees selected in most states?
They are elected by voters in direct primaries
incumbents
Those who currently hold political office.
soft money
Unregulated donations to party organizations to cover their operational expenses.
Is there a reason for presidential candidates to pay attention to small states as well as large ones?
Yes, because small states are overrepresented in the Electoral College.
Which of the following would be considered a basic campaign strategy?
an issue-oriented strategy
How many Electoral College votes must a candidate secure in order to win the presidency?
at least 270
How may a congressional candidate qualify for the state ballot? Choose the BEST answer.
by gathering enough petition signatures to run autonomously of a party.
The Founders designed the electoral process to do which of the following?
ensure that the government has political legitimacy
How often does the Constitution require elections to be held?
every two years
What is the main goal of frontloading in the electoral process?
exerting more influence over the selection of party presidential nominees.
What is the main qualification party members consider when nominating congressional candidates?
ideological fidelity
What component of a democratic government do elections serve?
legitimacy
Electoral reforms of the late 19th century did which of following?
lessened party control over ballot design
What did former House Speaker Tip O'Neill claim was the key to carrying out a successful campaign strategy?
money
How much of the senate goes up for reelection every two years?
one-third
Which source helped the Biden campaign break monthly fundraising records in 2020?
online donations
Which of the following represents a new way of reaching voters that has become increasingly popular in recent years?
social networking sites
Which of the following contributed to the shift to candidate-centered campaigns?
technological advancements
Campaign financing for federal elections is currently regulated by which of the following?
the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act
Which of the following is a method used by parties to select presidential nominees?
the caucus system
A party-centered strategy would be more useful in which of the following?
the general election
What determines the number of electors each state receives?
the number of US senators and representatives from that state.
Why do parties hold national conventions during presidential election years? Choose the BEST answer?
to establish a party platform and attract media attention to the party and its candidates.
Under what circumstances are congressional elections most competitive?
when there is an open seat
What is the 1st step in winning the presidency?
winning the most party delegates to support your nomination