CHAPTER 10 - Elections and Campaigns - Review and Study Outline

Sep 22, 2026

Chapter 10 focuses on U.S. elections as a democratic yet imperfect political institution. It examines how voter turnout affects perceptions of democracy, how modern campaigning became personalistic, and how money, media, and special-interest groups shape outcomes. The study outline compares historical party-oriented campaigns with today’s candidate-centered efforts, describes nomination and election phases, and explains coalition building, realigning elections, and debates on whether elections drive major public policy change.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages23

Reading Time58 min

AccessFree to download

Reviewing the Chapter

Chapter Focus

Study Outline

Introduction

2008 presidential race

Comparison with previous elections

Campaigns then and now

Parties

Media and money

Better or worse?

Elections here and abroad

Two phases: getting nominated and getting elected

Presidential and congressional campaigns

Running for president

Getting mentioned

Setting aside time to run

Background of candidate

Money

Organization

Strategy and themes

Getting elected to Congress

Malapportionment and gerrymandering

Establishing the size of the House

Winning the primary

CHAPTER 10 Elections and Campaigns REVIEWING THE CHAPTER CHAPTER FOCUS This chapter takes you on a cook’s tour of some of the scholarly examinations, the common folklore, and the amazing intricacies of America’s most enduring and exciting political institution, the election. Major topics include, but are not limited to, the debate over just how democratic elections are (given avery low voter turnout), the new personalistic nature of campaigning in the latter part of the twentieth century, the role that money plays in determining outcomes, the role of special-interest groups, socalled realigning elections, and the elements of successful coalition building by Democrats and Republicans. After reading and reviewing the material in this chapter, you should be able to do each of the following: 1. Explain why elections in the United States are both more democratic and less democratic than those of other countries. 2. Demonstrate the differences between the party-oriented campaigns ofthe nineteenth century and the candidate-oriented ones of today, explaining the major elements of a successful campaign for office today. 3. Discuss how important campaign funding is to election outcomes, what the major sources of such funding are under current law, and how successful reform legislation has been in purifying U.S. elections of improper monetary influences. 4. Discuss the partisan effects of campaigns, or why the party with the most registered voters does not always win the election. 5. Define the term realigning election and discuss the major examples of such elections in the past, as well as recent debates over whether realignment is again underway. 6. Describe what the Democrats and the Republicans, respectively, must do to put together a successful national coalition to achieve political power in any election. 7. Outline the major arguments on either side of the question of whether elections result in major changes in public policy in the United States. STUDY OUTLINE I. Introduction A. 2008 presidential race 1. Over a dozen candidates 2. Early start 3. Millions of dollars raised B. Comparison with previous elections 1. 1968, Humphrey won nomination without competing in state primaries 2. 1968, Humphrey raised little money compared to today’s also-rans 3. 1988, Bush campaign relatively small scale II. Campaigns then and now A. Key changes relate to parties, media and money B. Parties 1. Once determined, or powerfully influenced who was nominated 2. Congressional caucuses were replaced by national nominating conventions and local party leaders 3. Most people voted straight party ticket 4. Candidates are “on their own” with assistance from a) Media consultants b) Direct mail firms c) Polling firms d) Political technology firms C. Media and money 1. Today’s candidates depend—and spend—the most on media 2. Impact of ads not clear a) No clear relationship between exposure and victory b) Recent study found plurality of ads appealed to voter’s fears c) More effective with those interested in politics, with higher levels of information D. Better or worse? 1. Increasing emphasis on polling a) Commonly used to guide ads, communications, positions on issues, speeches and attire b) Also used to shape or change voters’ attitudes c) Micro targeting and grass roots campaigns 2. Increasing dependence on the strategic expertise of political consultants 3. Campaigning has become synonymous with fundraising III. Elections here and abroad A. Two phases: getting nominated and getting elected 1. Getting on the ballot is largely an individual effort 2. An organizational effort in most European nations 3. Parties play a minor role here B. Presidential and congressional campaigns 1. Presidential races are more competitive a) House races have lately been one-sided for Democrats b) Presidential winner rarely gets more than 55 percent of the vote c) Most Hous

FAQs

Why are U.S. elections described as both more democratic and less democratic than those of other countries?

The chapter highlights that U.S. elections involve democratic elements while turnout can be very low, affecting how democratic they truly are compared with other systems.

What major differences does the chapter describe between party-oriented campaigns in the 19th century and candidate-oriented campaigns today?

It contrasts earlier party control of nomination with modern campaigns where candidates act more independently, relying on media consultants, direct mail firms, polling firms, and political technology firms.

How does campaign funding influence election outcomes, and what reform efforts are discussed?

The chapter explains that funding importance extends to outcomes, outlines major current funding sources under law, and discusses how successful reform legislation has worked to reduce improper monetary influences.

Sep 22, 2026

Uploaded by Evangeline