All Flashcards
Role of Electoral College?
Elects the president based on state electoral votes, not popular vote.
Role of national conventions?
Parties formally nominate their candidates after primaries and caucuses.
Define 'invisible primary'.
Period where potential candidates test the waters and build campaign infrastructure.
What are 'swing states'?
States that could vote either Democratic or Republican, crucial in elections.
Define 'incumbency advantage'.
The significant edge a sitting president has when running for reelection.
What is an 'open primary'?
Any registered voter can vote in either party's primary.
What is a 'closed primary'?
Only registered party members can vote in their party's primary.
Define 'caucuses'.
Party members meeting to discuss and vote for their preferred candidate.
What are 'pledged delegates'?
Delegates committed to a specific candidate at a party convention.
What are 'superdelegates'?
Unelected party leaders (Democrats) who can support any candidate.
Define 'Electoral College'.
System where each state is allocated electoral votes based on its members in Congress.
What is 'winner-take-all'?
Most states award all electoral votes to the popular vote winner in that state.
Incumbency advantage: Causes and effects?
Cause: Name recognition, bully pulpit. Effect: Higher chance of reelection.
What is the effect of winning Iowa/New Hampshire?
Effect: Gains momentum, attracts donors, boosts campaign.
Electoral College: Effect on campaigning?
Effect: Candidates focus on swing states, neglecting others.