Electoral Contests in America

Pg. 77

1. How often does the Federal Government hold elections?

2. Why do States hold elections at the same time as the Federal Government?

3. Incumbents win re-election _____% of the time?

4. Who has the greatest incumbency advantage, House or Senate members?




pg. 79 The Election Cycle

5.   What are the two phases of elections?

6. What is the purpose of the primary election and when are these contests held?

7. Define Closed and Open Primary

8.  What is the outcome of a candidate who receives a plurality?

9. What method does the Democratic party use when selecting delegates?


pg. 80  Financing Campaigns

10. What differentiates Barack Obama's rise to the White House compared to that of George Bush and Bill Clinton's rise?

11.  What can candidates who receive more that 10% of the vote apply for in an election?

12. What presidential contest was the most expensive in American political history?

13. To what extent does the federal government provide funds for general election campaigns?

14. Have attempts at campaign finance reform been successful? What obstacles have prevented campaign finance reform?