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

2. 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

3. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

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