The document summarizes key aspects of the US political system and elections. It discusses the structure of Congress, campaign finance, issues in elections, factors influencing election outcomes, the electoral college process, and arguments for and against the electoral college system. It provides an overview of several topics covered in a POL 205 political science course in the Fall 2019 semester.

1. POL 205
Fall 2019

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

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.

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

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?

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

26. Ability of presidential candidates to lift up other
party members in lower-level races (e.g. Congress)