Chapter 9, 10- Campaigns and Elections Objective – Students will be able to answer questions regarding campaigns and elections. SECTION © 2001 by Prentice Hall, Inc.

Function of the Election American Government Choose over 500,000 public roles Contest between political parties Winner-take-all – the person with the most votes wins (don’t need over 50%) Plurality Single-member districts – one rep per district

Presidential Election Process American Government Each state holds a primary or caucus between January and June to determine candidates for parties Candidates then enter into general elections against the other political parties - More people vote in general elections. In 2004, 50% of people voted in general elections versus 25% in the primaries.

Congressional Elections vs. Presidential Elections American Government Congress elections are regional Senate by state; House by district House elections are less competitive than Senate or President Incumbents – rep up for reelection, typically win elections by 60% Congressional elections every two years (all House up for reelection and 1/3 of the Senate) Fewer people vote in “off-year” or “midterm year” (only 36%) which means voters are more activist or ideological

Congressional Elections vs. Presidential Elections American Government Coattail effect - Presidential popularity effecting congressional elections in midterm years Congress communicates with their constituents more directly, often personally, while President relies on media Congress reps can deny responsibility and blame problems on other reps or President

Running for President Money Organization Strategy and Themes American Government Money Organization Fund-raisers, lawyers, accountants, media consultants, advisors, pollsters, etc. Staff of hundreds Strategy and Themes Tone, theme, timing, target

Running for Congress Incumbents have huge advantage American Government Incumbents have huge advantage Franking privileges Cater to distrust by public of federal gov “Run against Congress, not for it.” Sophomore surge

Section Assessment Describe some differences between running for President and running for Congress. 2. Describe the coattail effect.

Summary: In a paragraph, describe what you have learned today.