Generalist vs Specialist Species Flashcards
delegate
people who represent voters and officially elected candidate at the national convention
party convention
officially nominate the party’s presidential candidate;; formally adopt a party platform
electoral college
the people who officially elect the president
a states number of electoral votes
of Representatives + senators
winner-take-all
48 states give all their electoral votes to the candidate who receives the most votes in their state
swing/battleground states
candidates focus on competitive states, ideally with a higher number of electoral votes
politicians focus on these states
why the electoral college?
result of negotiation and compromise
framers of democracy didn’t trust the people
example of elite democracy
Pro-Electoral college
states retain a role in selecting the president
ensures geographic balance
guards against the mob rule
Ant-electoral college
Places too much emphasis on swing states
undemocratic because it ignores the popular vote
discourages third-parties
removing the electoral college would required
a constitutional amendment
incumbency advantage
sitting president more likely to defeat challenger
campaign experience
network of donors
already seems “presidential”
bully pulpit (communicating with the American people through the media coverage of presidential events
Voter turnout is higher when
In election years
Midpoint elections occur at the midpoint of
the presidents term
Midterms have
lower voter turnout
More partisan/ideological voters