5.  The House
 Allotted based on proportional representation
 Entire House up for election every two years
 The Senate
 Each state has two senators, regardless of size
 Seventeenth Amendment provided for direct
election of the Senate
 Terms are staggered
6.
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9.
10. “Hard Money” – Regulated money given directly to candidates;
amounts limited by election laws
“Soft Money” – Unregulated money given by parties or individuals for
“electioneering activities,” that do not directly support candidates.
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14.  Valence Issue: Issues most voters agree on
(e.g. honesty in govt., a strong economy)
 Position Issue: Issues on which most voters differ in
their perspectives (e.g. health care)
 Wedge Issue: Controversial issues candidates use to
drive “wedge” between other party
 Example: Republican trying get Democrats who are anti-
abortion to vote for him instead of opponent
15.
16.  The Economy
 What is the condition of the economy?
 Presidential Popularity
 How popular is the sitting president?
 Incumbent Party’sTime in Office
 How long has the incumbent party controlled
theWhite House?
17.
18.  Citizens vote for slate of state electors
 “Winner-Take-All” in most states
 Electors meet to cast voters after election
 Who are “Faithless Electors?”
19.  President of Senate (VP) reads votes
 Election requires 50% + 1 of total number of
all 538 ElectoralCollegeVotes or 270
 What if no majority in ElectoralCollege?
 House = President
 Senate =Vice President
20. KEEP IT
 Political Stability
and Two-Party System
 Requires Campaigning
in Rural Areas
 Few Recounts
 Works OverTime
DISCARD IT
 Most Votes =Winner
 “Faithless” Electors
 Emphasis on
“Battleground” States
 Popular Will Diluted
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25.
26. Ability of presidential candidates to lift up other
party members in lower-level races (e.g. Congress)
