5.4 Debates on US democracy and participation

Question 1

3

Describe the arguments that the presidential election process is effective

Answer 1

• Extent of electoral college effectiveness
• Nomination process (Primaries and Convention)
• Campaign finance reform

Question 2

4

Describe the argument that the presidential election process is effective - nomination process

Answer 2

• Lengthy process ensures candidates are resilient enough to withstand demands of presidential job
• Primaries allow for a genuine choice
• Neither Obama nor Trump the frontrunner for nomination when they announced their candidacy
• Acceptance speech at NC + televised debates can highlight skills in persuasion

Question 3

5

Describe the argument that the presidential election process is not effective - nomination process

Answer 3

• Primary calendar effectively disenfranchises some states and over-represents others
• Creates unbalanced federalism
• NPCs are purely symbolic
• Lengthy process creates apathy
• Drived low turnouts which undermines legitimacy of election