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American Politics Core Concepts
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Question
Voters simply choose candidates solely because they belong to their preferred political party.
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Party-line voting
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The system where electors, not the popular vote, formally choose the President.
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The Electoral College
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Gives a voice to small states (a commonly cited advantage of this U.S. institution).
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A pro of the Electoral College (gives small states more influence)
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A candidate can win the popular vote but lose the election (a commonly cited disadvantage of this U.S. institution).
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A con of the Electoral College (possible mismatch between popular vote and electoral outcome)
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The tremendous edge held by those currently in office when running for re-election, including name recognition, donor networks, and access to government services.
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Incumbency advantage
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Familiarity with voters that helps current officeholders get re-elected (an example contributing to incumbency advantage).
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Name recognition
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Established fundraising contacts and donor relationships that help incumbents raise campaign money (an example contributing to incumbency advantage).
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Existing donor networks
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The ability to provide or be associated with government services that benefit constituents (an example contributing to incumbency advantage).
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Access to government services/resources
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Campaigns are now characterized by very long campaign timelines from announcement through election day.
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Long campaign cycles
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Campaigns are now characterized by massive amounts of money raised and spent to support candidates.
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Massive fundraising
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Campaigns are now characterized by heavy reliance on professionals who provide strategic, media, and communication advice.
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Heavy reliance on political consultants
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Organizations that try to influence public policy and public opinion, often by advocating for specific issues or interests.
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Interest groups
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People employed by organizations to directly contact lawmakers and try to influence legislation or policy decisions.
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Lobbyists
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Groups that raise and spend money to elect or defeat candidates but must follow spending limits.
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PACs (Political Action Committees)
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Groups that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to influence elections but are not allowed to directly coordinate with candidates.
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SuperPACs