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Why Elections?

Why Elections?. Understanding the Importance and Basics of Elections in American Government. A Few Key Terms We Should Understand Before Moving Forward. Campaign: the effort taken to win votes in an election Election : a mechanism for making collective decisions

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Why Elections?

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  1. Why Elections? Understanding the Importance and Basics of Elections in American Government

  2. A Few Key Terms We Should Understand Before Moving Forward • Campaign: the effort taken to win votes in an election • Election: a mechanism for making collective decisions • Assumes a campaign will be held beforehand • Citizen: an individual who has both rights and responsibilities in a country • Politics: process of deciding who gets what, when, and how without resorting to violence • Constitution: blueprint of the American government; establishes the foundation for American law

  3. Functions of Elections • Choosing public officials • Provides a voice to citizens in government • Can also choose who will run for office (primary) and can remove people from office (recall) • Ensuring accountability • Elected representatives must answer to those they represent • Trustee Model: elected officials act on behalf of their constituents • Delegate Model: elected officials act in place of their constituents

  4. Functions of Elections Continued • Influencing the direction of policy • Weak Form: elected officials react to popular demands to increase chance of reelection • Voters have influence, but not control • Strong Form: candidates are elected based on their proposed agenda • Once elected, claim they have a mandate to govern • Initiatives/referendum: citizens vote on legislation • Granting legitimacy to government • Help determine who the rightful occupant of an office is • Maintains the rule of law; lack of violence over transfer of power

  5. Elections and Themes of American Government • Federalism: states vary in their rules and processes, thus creating different scenarios • Federal (national) government has limited control • Popular Sovereignty: elected officials are chosen and held responsible by the people • Separation of Powers: since we elect members of government in different elections at different times, no single election can fully determine policy • Limited Government: government officials are limited in their power and elections have constitutional restrictions, thus reelection is not guaranteed

  6. Elections as an Institution • Has a set of rules • Laws passed by Congress (examples: Voting Rights Act, Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act) • Constitution • Can be reformed • Has evolved over time • More constitutional amendments deal with elections than any other subject! • Has structures (Electoral College, Federal Election Commission)

  7. Elections as a Process • Elections are fluid • Depends on the actions/decisions of political actors (voters, candidates, media, etc.) • Where to campaign? What issues to speak on? • Changes in rules shape who gets elected • Elections are shaped by current events • Role of the “October Surprise”

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