Elections Flashcards
What is the magic # of electoral votes to be President?
270
On rare occasions when no candidate gets to this number how is the presidency decided?
The House of Representatives chooses President while the Senate chooses Vice President.
What are a few traditional demographics that have overwhelmingly voted Republican?
White, male, older age
What are a few traditional demographics that have overwhelmingly voted Democratic?
African Americans, women, Jewish
The greater a level a person has of this, the more likely they are to vote…
Education
Polling has played a major role in presidential elections. What are some criticisms of recent polls and what are some standards to look for to be sure it is a legitimate poll…
Some people lie about who their going to vote for, people don’t use their landlines anymore, less people are answering
Twice in the last sic presidential elections the winner of the popular vote lost. How is this possible?
Electoral College.
What is the elections called to determine the nominee of the major parties?
Primary
Explain the difference between an open & closed primary?
In closed primaries, voters must say their party affiliation prior. They are then given a ballot based on their party choice.
Who gets elected in a midterm elections v a general elections and what are the difference in voter turnout?
2/3 of Senate and HR get reelected during midterm and president gets reelected during general election. General election has more voter turnout.
What are the three amendments that ensure and protect a citizen’s right to vote?
15th, 19th, 26th
15th
Gave African American men the right to vote.
19th
Gave women the right to vote.
26th
Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.
What is one of the worst examples of voting laws out nation has passed.
3/5 vote
