Arguments For The Primary/caucus System Flashcards
What is the primary/caucus system?
-primary = statewide election where voters choose preferred candidate from list contenders within pol party
-caucuses = local gathering where party members discuss + vote for candidate involving debates
What are the two types of primaries?
-open primaries = voters participate regarding of political affiliation e.g. dems + independents vote in Repub primary
-close primaries = only registered party members vote e.g. only registered repubs vote in Repub primary
What does the system boost?
-boost opportunities for political participation as allows ordinary voters choose their party’s candidate
Why is this boosting important?
-allowed direct involvement
-allows regular citizens play key role selecting pres candidates making process more democratic giving voters power shape direction of party + platform
What is an example of this?
-state by state engagement
-Obama 2008 won key states like south Caroline where A-A voters played decisive role selecting
-ability connect directly with voters + build broad coalition demonstrated how primary system empowers electorate shape outcome
What does the system allow regarding politicise outsiders?
Sallows political outsider to run for major office
-e.g. Trump + other less well known candidates who build up momentum + name recognition over time
How does the system test qualities of candidates?
-effectively ‘road test’ candidates qualities for office
-e.g. fundraising ability media presence, stamina + grasp of policy issues
How does the system do this ‘road testing’?
-by evaluating communication skills
-public speaking is assessed through debates, rallies + interviews where candidates articulate their vision + defend their policies responding to criticisms
What does this process reveal?
-reveals candidates abilities communicate under pressure
What is an example of these ‘road tests’ for communication skills?
-e.g. Pete Buttigieg entered 2020 Dem primary field alongside Biden sanders + warren
-faced signif challenges as youngest candidates ever - excelled in debates showcasing ability communicate clearly + ability connect with voters
How do caucuses allow ordinary voters to engage?
-provide opportunity for ordinary voters discuss relative merits + weaknesses of candidates
-promoting political engagement + awareness of issues
How do caucuses allow ordinary voters these opportunities?
-grassroots participation = personal connection
-caucuses smaller + more intimate compared to primary voting allowing participant feel more I locked in pol process as voices heard directly in discussions
What is an example of this?
-sanders in 2016 dem caucuses Nevada
-sanders campaign relied heavily on grassroots to connect with voters where they engaged directly with communities to advocate for sanders progressive platform
How was this seen?
-biters has opportunity ask questions c hear directly from neighbours about why they supported sanders
-collaborative discussion created environment where participants felt empowered to make decisions
