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Questions and Answers
The first presidential election took place in 1799.
The first presidential election took place in 1799.
False
The constitution mandates that a presidential election be held every 5 years.
The constitution mandates that a presidential election be held every 5 years.
False
A candidate running for president must be a natural-born US citizen.
A candidate running for president must be a natural-born US citizen.
True
A candidate must be at least 40 years old to run for president.
A candidate must be at least 40 years old to run for president.
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The youngest president ever was Ronald Reagan, who was 43.
The youngest president ever was Ronald Reagan, who was 43.
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The invisible primary is the period after the primaries and caucuses have taken place.
The invisible primary is the period after the primaries and caucuses have taken place.
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The invisible primary was coined by Arthur T. Hadley.
The invisible primary was coined by Arthur T. Hadley.
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Televised party debates are known for their serious policy discussions.
Televised party debates are known for their serious policy discussions.
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National party conventions are held every three years.
National party conventions are held every three years.
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One of the formal functions of national party conventions is to promote party unity.
One of the formal functions of national party conventions is to promote party unity.
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The party platform decided at national conventions is a detailed, exact policy manifesto.
The party platform decided at national conventions is a detailed, exact policy manifesto.
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The national convention can be a time used to heal a party that has been disunited after the primaries and caucus.
The national convention can be a time used to heal a party that has been disunited after the primaries and caucus.
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Opinion polls typically show that national conventions give a very large 'bounce' to presidential candidates.
Opinion polls typically show that national conventions give a very large 'bounce' to presidential candidates.
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Joe Biden was the leading fund raiser during the 2020 democrat invisible primary.
Joe Biden was the leading fund raiser during the 2020 democrat invisible primary.
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The candidate who is leading in the polls before the primaries and caucuses usually becomes the nominee.
The candidate who is leading in the polls before the primaries and caucuses usually becomes the nominee.
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In 2016, Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump followed the typical pattern of early front-runners becoming the eventual nominees.
In 2016, Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump followed the typical pattern of early front-runners becoming the eventual nominees.
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Presidential caucuses involve a state-based election to choose a party's candidate for the presidency.
Presidential caucuses involve a state-based election to choose a party's candidate for the presidency.
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Caucuses typically have a higher voter turnout compared to primaries.
Caucuses typically have a higher voter turnout compared to primaries.
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Primaries are designed to select delegates who will go to the national party conventions.
Primaries are designed to select delegates who will go to the national party conventions.
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An open primary is a primary where only voters registered in a particular party can vote in that party's primary.
An open primary is a primary where only voters registered in a particular party can vote in that party's primary.
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When the incumbent president is running for re-election, primaries for the president's party generally receive significant media coverage.
When the incumbent president is running for re-election, primaries for the president's party generally receive significant media coverage.
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Study Notes
US Presidential Elections
- First presidential election in 1788
- Presidential elections occur every four years
- Presidential election process is a seven-stage process
- Invisible primary: Period between candidates announcing their candidacy and the first primaries/caucuses.
- Candidates in this phase aim to build name recognition, raise funds, and gain media attention.
Constitutional Requirements for US Presidents
- Natural-born US citizen
- At least 35 years old
- 14 years residency in the U.S.
- Limited to two terms (8 years)
The Invisible Primary
- Period between candidates declaring their candidacy and the first primaries/caucuses
- Candidates work to build support and name recognition
- Candidates use social media, media appearances, and televised debates
- Candidates' announcements are a crucial aspect of the invisible primary
- Incumbents usually announce their second term bid midway through their first term.
Primaries and Caucuses
- Presidential primary: State-based election to choose party's candidate for president
- Presidential caucuses: State-based meetings to choose party's candidate for president
- Caucused turnout is generally lower than in primaries, and voters tend to be more ideologically driven compared to primary voters.
- Primaries determine the popularity of the presidential candidates
- Primaries choose delegates to attend national party conventions.
Televised Party Debates
- Intra-party televised debates between candidates
- Often more focused on sound bites than policy
- Candidates engage in media-driven campaigns
- Candidates work hard to accumulate funds during the invisible primary
- Money from donors or interest groups, self-funding.
Fundraising
- Invisible primary candidates must accumulate funds
- Money is used for advertisement, campaigning, and to boost poll ratings
- Candidates can self-finance or seek funding from individuals and interest groups
- Front-runners often accumulate significant funds which doesn't guarantee victory.
Front-Runners
- Candidates who lead in polls before primaries
- The front-runner usually becomes the party's nominee
- In some US Presidential Elections, the front-runner doesn't always win the election.
National Party Conventions
- Meetings held every four years by major political parties
- Used to select presidential and vice-presidential candidates
- Conventions are a forum for the official selection of candidates
- Conventions used to formally discuss party platforms.
Are Conventions Pointless?
- Some argue that political conventions have decreased in importance
- Political conventions can be an opportunity to promote party unity, enthuse members, and motivate voters.
Types of Primaries
- Open primary: Any registered voter can vote in either party's primary.
- Closed primary: Only registered party members can vote in their party's primary
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Description
Explore the essential aspects of US presidential elections, including the historical context, constitutional requirements for candidates, and the significance of the invisible primary. Learn how candidates prepare for primaries and caucuses, and understand the structured process that shapes the electoral landscape in the United States.
