Elections (invisible primaries) 5.1 Flashcards
What is the invisible primary?
The period between candidates declaring an intention to run for the presidency and the first primaries and caucuses.
It is crucial for gaining name recognition and funding.
How many distinct stages are there in presidential elections?
Seven distinct stages.
The first four stages are concerned with choosing candidates, and the last three with electing the president.
What are the constitutional qualifications to be president?
• Natural-born US citizen
• At least 35 years old
• Residency of 14 years
• Not have already served two terms as president
The 22nd Amendment limits presidents to two terms.
Who was the youngest ever president of the United States?
Theodore Roosevelt at age 42.
He became president in 1901 following the assassination of William McKinley.
Who was the youngest ever elected president of the United States?
John F. Kennedy at age 43.
This distinction reflects the age requirement for presidential candidates.
What is the significance of the invisible primary for candidates?
It is critically important for gaining name recognition, money, and organizing support.
Poll standings at the end of the invisible primary often correlate with nomination outcomes.
What media outlets are important during the invisible primary?
• Washington Post
• New York Times
• Time magazine
• CBS, PBS, CNN political shows
Media presence is essential for candidate visibility.
When do incumbents usually announce their intention to run for a second term?
Midway through their first term.
Donald Trump uniquely filed for re-election on his first day in office.
Who broke the record for the earliest official presidential candidate declaration?
John Delaney in July 2017.
He was the first of 29 Democrat candidates to declare.
Fill in the blank: The first president to feel the effect of the two-term limit was _______.
Dwight Eisenhower.
He was affected by the 22nd Amendment, which limits terms.
True or False: The invisible primary is a visible and well-publicized stage of the election process.
False.
It is often referred to as ‘invisible’ due to its behind-the-scenes nature.
