1. Types of Elections Chapter 10 Theme A

2. Introduction to Elections  What are the 2 phases of all types of elections?  What are the steps in getting nominated?  How are US elections different from those in Europe?

3. Presidential vs. Congressional Elections  Presidential more competitive  Lower voter turnout in midterm elections  Congressional members more able to serve constituency

4. Presidential vs. Congressional Elections  Congressional candidates can campaign against “Washington” Blame President and hold him accountableBlame President and hold him accountable Presidents rarely can duck responsibility because they are seen as the “Leader of the Free World”Presidents rarely can duck responsibility because they are seen as the “Leader of the Free World” Congressional members are more affected by party’s economic policiesCongressional members are more affected by party’s economic policies

5. Presidential vs. Congressional Elections  Power of Coattails declining How did Obama’s popularity affect this year’s elections.How did Obama’s popularity affect this year’s elections. How did his popularity affect Republicans running for Congress in 2012?How did his popularity affect Republicans running for Congress in 2012? How did this affect Democrats running for Congress in 2012?How did this affect Democrats running for Congress in 2012?

6. Running for President  Decisions Getting mentionedGetting mentioned Setting aside time to runSetting aside time to run Raising moneyRaising money Organizing a staffOrganizing a staff Defining a Strategy and ThemesDefining a Strategy and Themes

7. Running for President  Strategy: 1.What tone? 2.What theme? 3.What should the timing be? 4.Whom to target?

8. Running for Congress  Why do incumbents win so often?  4 issues in deciding representation in HOR: Est. the total size of HOR (Congress) (1911)Est. the total size of HOR (Congress) (1911) Reapportionment (Congress) (Since 1929)Reapportionment (Congress) (Since 1929) Determining size of districts in state (State legis.)Determining size of districts in state (State legis.) Determine shape and location of districts (St. legis.)Determine shape and location of districts (St. legis.)  Gerrymandering and malapportionment Define each termDefine each term How has the US Supreme Court become the referee?How has the US Supreme Court become the referee? Discuss casesDiscuss cases

9. Primaries vs. General Elections  Explain the difference.  Why might you need to prepare differently for these?  What factors are important to party members in primaries? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OB5MgtSUTlchttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OB5MgtSUTlchttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OB5MgtSUTlc  Explain the differences in closed, open, blanket, & runoff primaries.  NC’s Presidential primary is a binding presidential preference type. What does that mean? What are the alternatives?

10. The Iowa Caucuses  Why does the text refer to the Democratic caucus as “a cross between musical chairs and fraternity pledge week?”  How can primaries and caucuses come back to haunt a Presidential candidate? Explain “flip-flopping!” http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/2004http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/2004http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/2004  How does the balancing act of winning the nomination cause “clothespin voting?”

11. Types of Issues  What is the difference between a position issue and valence issue?  How can position issues lead to party realignment?  How did valence issues help Bill Clinton in 1992 & 1996?  Why have valence issues become more important today?

12. In a close election, what drives who wins? Source: MSNBC