Podcast
Questions and Answers
In the United States, at which levels do electoral systems operate?
In the United States, at which levels do electoral systems operate?
- Local, state, and federal levels. (correct)
- Federal level only.
- State level only.
- Local and federal levels only.
What electoral system is predominantly used at all levels in the USA, contributing to its two-party system?
What electoral system is predominantly used at all levels in the USA, contributing to its two-party system?
- Proportional Representation
- First Past the Post (correct)
- Mixed-Member Proportional
- Ranked-Choice Voting
Who is primarily responsible for administering elections, including determining the type of voting system used, in the United States?
Who is primarily responsible for administering elections, including determining the type of voting system used, in the United States?
- State governments (correct)
- The Federal Election Commission
- Local municipalities
- The President
When are federal elections typically held in the United States?
When are federal elections typically held in the United States?
Why does the structure of the Senate, with each state having two votes, help to hold the USA together?
Why does the structure of the Senate, with each state having two votes, help to hold the USA together?
How is the number of electoral college votes allocated to each state determined?
How is the number of electoral college votes allocated to each state determined?
What is the minimum number of electoral college votes a state can have, regardless of its population size?
What is the minimum number of electoral college votes a state can have, regardless of its population size?
How many total electoral college votes are there, and how many are needed to win the Presidency?
How many total electoral college votes are there, and how many are needed to win the Presidency?
What is the main difference between 'open' and 'closed' primary elections?
What is the main difference between 'open' and 'closed' primary elections?
What is the primary purpose of national nominating conventions?
What is the primary purpose of national nominating conventions?
Which of the following best describes 'direct democracy'?
Which of the following best describes 'direct democracy'?
What does 'split ticket voting' refer to?
What does 'split ticket voting' refer to?
What is 'abstention' in the context of elections?
What is 'abstention' in the context of elections?
How does 'incumbency' typically affect a candidate's chances of winning an election?
How does 'incumbency' typically affect a candidate's chances of winning an election?
Which of the following is a key component of a 'caucus'?
Which of the following is a key component of a 'caucus'?
Who are delegates pledged to at national nominating conventions?
Who are delegates pledged to at national nominating conventions?
What is the 'popular vote' in an election?
What is the 'popular vote' in an election?
Which of the following is a characteristic of the electoral college system?
Which of the following is a characteristic of the electoral college system?
Besides the House of Representatives and Senate, which other federal office is elected on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November?
Besides the House of Representatives and Senate, which other federal office is elected on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November?
How does the US electoral system balance the principles of representation and states' rights?
How does the US electoral system balance the principles of representation and states' rights?
Flashcards
First Past the Post
First Past the Post
An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins.
Federal elections
Federal elections
Elections for the House, Senate and President held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
Senate Representation
Senate Representation
Ensures states have a voice through its two votes per state, regardless of population.
Electoral College System
Electoral College System
Signup and view all the flashcards
Primaries
Primaries
Signup and view all the flashcards
Caucuses
Caucuses
Signup and view all the flashcards
National Nominating Conventions
National Nominating Conventions
Signup and view all the flashcards
Direct Democracy
Direct Democracy
Signup and view all the flashcards
Voting Behavior
Voting Behavior
Signup and view all the flashcards
Popular Vote
Popular Vote
Signup and view all the flashcards
Split Ticket Voting
Split Ticket Voting
Signup and view all the flashcards
Abstention
Abstention
Signup and view all the flashcards
Incumbency
Incumbency
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
- Electoral systems in the USA function at the local, state, and federal levels, but focus is primarily on the federal level.
- The USA mainly uses a first-past-the-post system, which reinforces its two-party system of Democrats and Republicans.
- Election administration is managed at the state level, including the specific voting systems used.
- Federal elections occur on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
- Federal elections include elections for the House of Representatives (2-year terms), one-third of the Senate seats (6-year terms), and the President (4-year term).
- To increase voter turnout and save costs, many states hold state elections and referendums alongside federal elections.
- The USA's electoral system balances representation, accountability, and states’ rights.
- The House of Representatives offers proportional representation, while the Senate provides equal representation with 2 votes per state, regardless of size.
- The Electoral College is used to elect the President, giving each state a number of votes equal to its total number of seats in the House and Senate.
- Each state is guaranteed a minimum of 3 electoral college votes.
- Washington D.C. gets 3 electoral college votes, resulting in a total of 538 electoral college votes.
Key Terms
- Electoral College System: Elects the President, with each state's votes based on its House and Senate seats.
- A presidential candidate needs 270 votes to win the presidency.
- Most states operate on a winner-take-all basis, awarding all electoral votes to the majority winner in that state.
- Primaries: Party elections to select candidates.
- Closed primaries are for registered party members only.
- Open primaries do not require party affiliation.
- Caucuses: Similar to primaries, but involve meetings and discussions before voting.
- National nominating conventions: Select the presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
- Delegates from state primaries/caucuses pledge to candidates, and the candidate with the majority wins the party nomination.
- Direct democracy: Electorate votes on policy options directly, without elected representatives.
- Voting behavior: Factors influencing how people decide to vote.
- Popular vote: The total votes cast for a candidate.
- Winning the popular vote does not guarantee winning the presidential election, which is decided by the electoral college (e.g., 2000, 2016).
- Split ticket voting: Voting for candidates from different parties in the same election.
- Abstention: Refraining from voting.
- Incumbency: Holding an office, which often provides advantages like name recognition.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
