Presidential Elections Flashcards
When do US elections take place?
Every four years on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November
Who could run for US president?
Natural-born American citizens
35 years old
Lived in the USA for a total of 14 years
Cannot have already served two terms as president
What 6 features make a strong candidate?
1) Political Experience
2) Major Party Candidacy
3) Certain personal characteristics
4) Money
5) Organisation
6) Telegenic nature
What job will a candidate have usually had?
Vice president, state governor or senator. All giving them political experience
Prior to Trump who was the last candidate not from the pool of VP, governor or senator?
General Dwight Eisenhower 1952
Why is a major party candidacy imperative for a candidate’s success?
The size of the country and the electoral college voting system means that without the support o one of the two major parties it is very difficult to achieve success.
Give two examples at independents who attempted running for the presidency
Ross Perot and Pat Buchanan, neither of whom did very well
To contest the candidacy and presidency how much money does your campaign need?
$100 000 000 (billion dollars)
How much was Obama’s campaign for re-eleciton?
$874.6 million
Whose campaign organising shows someone up as a poor candidate?
Bob Dole
What software did Obama use that demonstrates good organisationals skills and could be credited with much of his success?
Dashboard, online software that gave people real time data about campaigning and street by street issues
Why is being telegenic such an advantage?
Media dominated politics
What amendment means that presidents cannot serve more than two terms?
22nd amendment 1951
as a result of FDR
In the exam, what phrases should be distinct?
Selecting the presidential candidate and electing the president
