Elections Flashcards
(7 cards)
How are congresspeople elected to the House of Reps?
Following the census, which divides the state into the number of districts proportionate to the population, a state is given an allotted number of representatives. Every two years, these representatives go up for re-election in their district, using a popular vote system.
How are senators elected?
Every state gets 2 senators, regardless of their population. They are elected in a state-wide election and are up for re-election every 6 years. They are all a part of a class, with classes making up a 1/3 of the senate and being re-elected every 2 years.
How do presidential elections work?
First, candidates announce their bid for president and they spend a few months building their brand and funds. Several usually drop out between this stage and the next. The remaining contenders then compete in primaries and caucuses, gaining electors based on the votes they recieve. These electors vote for the candidate they have been assigned to (though they can go rogue) and the candidate to represent the party is announced at the DNC/RNC. These two go head to head before elections in November and the winner is the one who wins the most electoral college votes. They are sworn in during January.
How does the electoral college work?
In the Electoral College system, each state gets a certain number of electors based on its total number of reps and senators. Each elector casts one electoral vote following the general election: there are a total of 538 electoral votes. The candidate that gets more than half (270) wins the election.
How is the electoral college fair?
It acts as a bulwark against tyranny of the majority - maintains the values of federalism and stays true to what the founding fathers wanted.
Gives a clear victory to a candidate with no ambiguity (though debatable as some may say the popular vote should overrule electoral college).
Stops small extremist candidates from gaining office.
How is the electoral college unfair and outdated?
It is unrepresentative. Some states have too much comparable power, like California.
US territories have no say in presidential elections.
Unfair to third parties as it maintains a two party system - candidates must have the backing of one of the parties.
Not able to facilitate the more polarising politics of today. There were 7 rogue electors in 2016.
Winner takes all distorts result as it is not in line with the popular vote. Clinton won 4 million more votes in 2016 and lost.
What benefits does the incumbent receive in their 2nd election?
They have name recognition which means they have more popularity than their opponents and have to spend less.
They have their entire party fundraising for them, as can be seen through Trump’s earnings and Democratic candidates.
If they have a good term behind them, it means a lot more people are likely to vote for them, and gives them credibility/popularity. However, if they have a bad term behind them, they’re less likely to be voted in and will not have credibility/popularity.
Successful campaign experience.
Can utilise those in government to promote themselves and gain another term.
