Glossary
Bully Pulpit
The president's unique ability to use the office and its visibility to speak out on any issue and influence public opinion.
Example:
When the president uses a televised address to rally public support for a new policy, they are utilizing the power of the bully pulpit.
Caucuses
Local meetings where registered party members gather to discuss candidates and openly vote for their preferred nominee.
Example:
Instead of casting a secret ballot, participants in a caucus might publicly declare their support for a candidate or move to different parts of a room to show their preference.
Closed Primary
A primary election where only voters registered with a specific political party can vote in that party's primary.
Example:
To vote in a Republican closed primary, a voter must be a registered Republican.
Early States
Iowa (caucus) and New Hampshire (primary) are the first states to hold presidential nomination contests, playing a crucial role in building candidate momentum.
Example:
Winning the Iowa caucus or the New Hampshire primary can provide a significant boost to a candidate's campaign, attracting media attention and donors.
Electoral College
A system established by the U.S. Constitution for electing the president and vice president, where electors chosen by each state cast the final votes.
Example:
To win the presidency, a candidate must secure at least 270 votes from the Electoral College, not necessarily the national popular vote.
Incumbency Advantage
The significant edge held by sitting presidents or elected officials when running for reelection due to factors like name recognition, experience, and an established network.
Example:
A president seeking a second term benefits from the incumbency advantage, as they already have a national platform and a proven fundraising apparatus.
Invisible Primary
The period before the primaries and caucuses when potential candidates test the waters, gauge public opinion, and build campaign infrastructure.
Example:
Before officially announcing their candidacy, a politician might spend months traveling to key states and meeting with donors, engaging in the invisible primary.
Open Primary
A primary election where any registered voter can participate, regardless of their declared party affiliation.
Example:
In an open primary, a registered independent voter could choose to cast a ballot in either the Republican or Democratic contest.
Pledged Delegates
Delegates to a national party convention who are committed to supporting a specific candidate based on the results of their state's primary or caucus.
Example:
After winning a state's primary, a candidate earns a certain number of pledged delegates who are bound to vote for them at the national convention.
Primaries
Statewide elections where voters cast secret ballots to select their party's nominee for the general election.
Example:
Voters participate in a primary election to choose which candidate will represent the Democratic or Republican party in the upcoming presidential race.
Superdelegates
Unelected party leaders and elected officials (primarily in the Democratic Party) who can support any candidate at the national convention, regardless of primary results.
Example:
Unlike pledged delegates, a superdelegate is free to vote for any candidate they choose at the Democratic National Convention, even if that candidate didn't win their state's primary.
Swing States
States that could vote either Democratic or Republican in a presidential election, making them crucial battlegrounds.
Example:
Presidential candidates often spend disproportionate amounts of time and money campaigning in swing states like Pennsylvania or Arizona, knowing their votes could decide the election.
Top-Two Primary
A primary system where all candidates, regardless of party, run on a single ballot, and the top two vote-getters advance to the general election.
Example:
In a top-two primary, it's possible for two candidates from the same party to face each other in the general election if they receive the most votes in the primary.
Winner-Take-All
A system used by most states in the Electoral College where the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state receives all of its electoral votes.
Example:
If a candidate wins 50.1% of the popular vote in Florida, they receive all of Florida's winner-take-all electoral votes, even if the margin was very narrow.