Why are incumbents so hard to unseat in congressional elections? Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is an incumbent?
An incumbent is a current officeholder who is seeking re-election.
True or False: Incumbents have a higher chance of winning elections compared to challengers.
True
What is one reason incumbents are difficult to unseat in congressional elections?
Incumbents often have greater access to campaign financing.
Fill in the blank: Incumbents benefit from __________, which is the ability to use their office to gain advantages in elections.
incumbency advantage
What role does name recognition play in the success of incumbents?
Higher name recognition helps incumbents secure votes as voters are more likely to choose familiar names.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT an advantage typically held by incumbents? A) Experience B) Fundraising ability C) Lack of political connections D) Constituency services
C) Lack of political connections
What is the impact of gerrymandering on incumbents?
Gerrymandering can create safe districts for incumbents, reducing the likelihood of them being unseated.
True or False: Incumbents often have lower voter turnout compared to challengers.
False
How do incumbents use media to their advantage?
Incumbents can leverage media coverage to highlight their achievements and maintain public visibility.
What is the significance of constituency services for incumbents?
Constituency services help incumbents build a positive reputation and loyalty among voters.
Fill in the blank: Incumbents often have __________, which allows them to communicate directly with constituents and promote their work.
staff and resources
What percentage of incumbents typically win re-election in Congress?
Around 90% of incumbents usually win re-election.
Multiple Choice: Which factor contributes to the incumbency advantage? A) Increased media scrutiny B) Stronger opposition C) Established donor networks D) Limited campaign funds
C) Established donor networks
How does the economy affect the re-election of incumbents?
A strong economy often boosts incumbents’ chances of re-election, while a poor economy can threaten it.
True or False: Challengers usually have more experience than incumbents.
False
What is the role of political parties in supporting incumbents?
Political parties provide resources, funding, and strategic support to help incumbents win re-election.
Fill in the blank: __________ allows incumbents to claim credit for government projects and funding in their districts.
Pork barrel spending
What is the effect of voter demographics on incumbency?
Incumbents who align with the demographics of their district are more likely to maintain support and win re-election.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following strategies do incumbents use to secure votes? A) Ignoring constituents B) Engaging in debates C) Hosting town halls D) Both B and C
D) Both B and C
