Congressional Elections and Gerrymandering

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for redistricting in the United States?

  • To reflect changes in voter demographics
  • To adjust district boundaries based on population changes (correct)
  • To create more competitive congressional elections
  • To ensure equal representation for all citizens

What happens to the representation of states in the House of Representatives?

  • States with larger populations have more representatives in the House. (correct)
  • Each state has the same number of representatives, regardless of population.
  • The number of representatives for each state is determined by the number of senators they have.
  • The number of representatives for each state is fixed and never changes.

Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences congressional elections?

  • The political climate and national issues
  • The boundaries of electoral districts
  • The number of registered voters in each state (correct)
  • The candidates' campaign strategies and fundraising

What is the main difference between constituencies in the House of Representatives and the Senate?

<p>House constituencies are based on population, while Senate constituencies are based on geographic area. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the redistricting process often considered controversial?

<p>It can be used to manipulate district boundaries to benefit a particular political party or interest group. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key arguments against gerrymandering?

<p>It can make congressional elections less competitive and predictable. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many members are there in the House of Representatives?

<p>435 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How often are congressional elections held for the House of Representatives?

<p>Every two years (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of partisan gerrymandering?

<p>To increase the representation of one political party at the expense of another. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Supreme Court ruling in Baker v. Carr (1962)?

<p>It established the principle of 'one person, one vote' for congressional districts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument against Malapportionment?

<p>It violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main takeaway from the Supreme Court ruling in Shaw v. Reno (1993) regarding racial and ethnic considerations in drawing district boundaries?

<p>Race can only be considered as a secondary factor, not the main one, in redrawing districts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage that incumbents possess in congressional elections?

<p>They typically have a larger campaign war chest and more name recognition. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the incumbency advantage stronger in the House of Representatives compared to the Senate?

<p>House members have shorter terms and smaller districts, making it easier to stay connected with voters. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why experience is crucial for successful challengers in congressional elections?

<p>It helps them navigate the complexities of government and build relationships. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why money plays a significant role in congressional elections?

<p>It helps candidates fund their campaigns and reach a wider audience. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What privilege do incumbent representatives have that helps them communicate with their constituents?

<p>The ability to use franking privileges, allowing them to send free mail. (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do challengers often wait for open seat elections to run for Congress?

<p>They have a better chance of winning without having to compete with an incumbent's advantages. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why incumbents typically succeed in congressional elections?

<p>They have more name recognition and access to resources. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key strategy incumbents use to enhance their advantage in congressional elections?

<p>Focusing on issues important to their constituents and promoting their accomplishments. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which tactic is MOST commonly used by incumbents to maximize their resources and discourage qualified challengers?

<p>Providing casework for individual constituents and showcasing their responsiveness. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these are valid reasons why an incumbent might lose an election? (Select all that apply)

<p>A surge in voter turnout motivated by dissatisfaction with the incumbent. (A), A major shift in the political landscape, favoring the challenger's party. (B), A strong challenger with a compelling platform. (C), A scandal involving the incumbent. (D), Poor economic conditions in the district. (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why congressional races are so expensive?

<p>The need to pay for advertising, travel, and campaign staff. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Compared to House races, Senate races typically cost more. What is the MAIN factor contributing to this difference?

<p>Senate campaigns need to reach a wider audience and cover a larger geographic area. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST LIKELY reason why professional experience is highly valued in congressional candidates?

<p>It demonstrates their ability to navigate the complexities of government effectively. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Constituencies

A body of voters in a designated area who elect a representative.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries after a census.

Gerrymandering

The intentional manipulation of district boundaries to benefit a specific group.

Apportionment

The process of determining how many representatives each state gets in the House.

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Senate Representation

Each state is represented by two senators regardless of population.

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House of Representatives Size

The House is composed of 435 members since 1929.

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District Boundaries

Lines that define the geographical area of a congressional district.

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Bipartisan Commission

A group that draws district lines in a nonpartisan manner.

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Partisan Gerrymandering

Drawing district boundaries to benefit one political party over another.

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Racial Gerrymandering

Creating majority-minority districts to enhance minority voting power.

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Baker v. Carr (1962)

Supreme Court case that mandated equal population in districts.

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Malapportionment

Uneven distribution of population among legislative districts, violating the 14th Amendment.

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Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Supreme Court case that addressed race-based district drawing, ruling against bizarre shapes.

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Incumbency

The state of holding a political office while running for reelection.

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Incumbent Advantage

Benefits of incumbents include media, track record, and name recognition.

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Congressional Election Costs

Cost of congressional elections; average Senate race: $1.5M, House: $500K.

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Franking Privilege

Free mail service for incumbents to communicate with constituents.

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Challenges for Incumbents

Incumbents can lose due to scandals, poor economy, or redistricting.

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Electoral Majority

A situation where a minority ethnicity holds the majority in voting districts.

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Experience in Elections

Importance of prior political experience for challengers to succeed.

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Media Coverage

Increased visibility through news and advertisements that help incumbents.

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Challengers' Strategy

Challengers often wait for open seat elections with no incumbents.

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Casework

Personal assistance provided by incumbents to constituents dealing with bureaucracy.

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Study Notes

Congressional Elections

  • Constituencies: Groups of voters electing representatives/senators
  • Constitutional Framework: Sets the broad rules for constituencies, but the division process, especially for the House, is often political and controversial
  • Senate Representation: Each state has 2 senators; elections are staggered to prevent both seats being up for grabs in the same election
  • Unequal Voter Representation: Senators represent states, not individual voters. Wyoming (587,000) and California (39 million) have the same number of senators
  • House Apportionment: Determined by population. 435 members since 1929. Changes based on population shifts, recently favoring the South and West
  • Redistricting: Redrawing district boundaries following the census. Crucial for House representation

Gerrymandering

  • Definition: Intentional manipulation of district boundaries to benefit a specific interest group or party
  • Partisan Gerrymandering: Devising district shapes to benefit a specific party. Concentrates opposing party voters in a few districts, making it easier for their party to win.
  • Racial/Ethnic Gerrymandering: Creating majority-minority districts, boosting chances for racial/ethnic minority candidates.
  • Supreme Court Role: Has ruled that district boundaries cannot be drawn solely or primarily on racial grounds

Gerrymandering and Redistricting

  • Baker v. Carr (1962): Supreme Court ruled that each district must have similar populations to avoid malapportionment (unequal distribution)
  • Shaw v. Reno (1993): Supreme Court rejected North Carolina reapportionment plan, citing racial gerrymandering (bizarre districts). Allowed race to be a factor but not the primary one.
  • Political Considerations: Often high stakes, majority party typically seeks to maintain or increase their advantage.

Incumbency Advantages

  • Definition: An incumbent is an office-holder running for reelection.
  • Advantages: More media coverage, proven track record, established networks of donors, name recognition
  • House vs. Senate: Incumbency advantage is stronger in the House due to shorter terms and usually dominant political parties.
  • Reasons for Losing: Scandals, economic downturns, "throw the bums out" sentiment, redistricting

Experience & Money

  • Challenger Needs: Challengers need experience and money to compete. Experience typically gained through local/state government.
  • Cost of Elections: Congressional races are expensive. In 2016, total election spending was $4 billion
  • Senate Race cost averaging $1.5 million and House ~ $500,000.

Maximizing Incumbency

  • Franking Privilege: Free mail usage for communication
  • Constituent Service: Help constituents with federal and state bureaucracy
  • Policy Role Claim: Take credit for Washington actions and policy roles

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