All Flashcards
Define 'incumbent'.
Someone currently holding office and running for reelection.
What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?
A group that raises and spends money to elect and defeat candidates.
Define 'gerrymandering'.
Redrawing district lines to favor one political party.
What is a 'safe seat'?
A district where one party has a large electoral advantage.
Define 'midterm election'.
An election held in the middle of a presidential term.
What is a primary election?
An election to select a party's nominee for the general election.
Define 'caucus'.
A meeting of party members to select candidates.
What is 'divided government'?
When the presidency and Congress are controlled by different parties.
What is 'voter turnout'?
The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot.
What is a 'general election'?
The main election between candidates from different parties.
Role of the House of Representatives in elections?
All seats up for election every two years, representing local districts.
Role of the Senate in elections?
One-third of seats up for election every two years, representing entire states.
Role of Political Action Committees (PACs) in elections?
Raise and spend money to support candidates, often favoring incumbents.
House vs. Senate Elections: Term Lengths?
House: 2 years | Senate: 6 years (1/3 elected every 2 years)
House vs. Senate Elections: Seats up for election?
House: All 435 seats | Senate: One-third of seats
Presidential vs. Congressional Primaries: Scope?
Presidential: National | Congressional: State or district level
Presidential vs. Congressional Primaries: Scale?
Presidential: More candidates and voters | Congressional: Limited to district voters
Presidential vs. Congressional Primaries: Voter Participation?
Presidential: Broader participation | Congressional: Limited to district voters
Presidential vs. Congressional Primaries: Timing?
Presidential: Over months | Congressional: State-by-state on different days
Incumbents vs. Challengers: Fundraising?
Incumbents: More campaign cash | Challengers: Less campaign cash
Incumbents vs. Challengers: Name Recognition?
Incumbents: High name recognition | Challengers: Low name recognition
Incumbents vs. Challengers: PAC support?
Incumbents: More PAC Support | Challengers: Less PAC support
Primary vs. General Elections: Voter Base?
Primary: Registered Party Members | General: All Registered Voters