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Congressional Elections

Robert King

Robert King

6 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers Congressional elections, focusing on the differences between House and Senate elections, the incumbency advantage, and the roles of PACs. It also explains primaries and caucuses, including gerrymandering and safe seats, and the distinctions between Congressional and Presidential primaries. Finally, it examines the impact of Congressional elections on Presidential elections and provides exam tips including common question types and high-priority topics such as incumbency advantage, gerrymandering, and the differences between Presidential and Congressional primaries.

AP US Government: Congressional Elections - The Ultimate Study Guide 🚀

Hey there, future AP Gov rockstar! Let's break down congressional elections and get you feeling super confident for the exam. We'll cover everything from incumbency advantages to the nitty-gritty of primaries and general elections. Let's dive in!

Congressional Elections: An Overview

House vs. Senate Elections

  • House of Representatives: All 435 seats are up for grabs every two years. Think of it as a full reset! 🏡
  • Senate: Only one-third of seats are contested every two years. It's a 'continuous body,' like a slow-moving wheel. ⚙️
  • Midterm Elections: These happen in the middle of a presidential term. They usually have lower voter turnout and less media attention. 📺 📻 📰

Key Concept

Incumbency Advantage

Incumbents (those already in office) have a HUGE edge in congressional elections. Why?

  • Name Recognition: They're already known! They communicate with constituents through email 💻, social media 📲, and TV appearances 📺.

  • Track Record: They can point to their past votes and supported legislation 📜.

  • Fundraising Power: They rake in more campaign cash 💰 💲 💸, especially from Political Action Committees (PACs).

    • PACs: These groups support candidates who align with their interests. They heavily favor incumbents because they're more likely to win. Check out these 2010 stats:

      IncumbentsChallengersOpen Seats
      Business PACs85%3%12%
      Labor PACs55%22%23%
      Ideology/Single-Issue80%5%15%

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Question 1 of 12

Which of the following best describes how often all seats in the House of Representatives are up for election? 🏡

Every four years

Every six years

Every two years

Every year