Electoral Processes (1) Flashcards
What is the invisible primary
Candidates seeking to establish themselves before the presidential race
Two early voting states
Iowa + New hampshire
2 Examples of the invisible primary as a success
Reagan (1980), Trump (2016)
(Both won Iowa and New Hampshire)
Example of the invisible primary being wrong
Clinton wasn’t the favourite in 1992
What are closed / open primaries
Closed: only registered party members can vote in the primaries
Open: voter doesnt have to be affiliated with a party
What is a caucus + where do they happen
Meeting for the selection of a party’s candidate
Common on large geographical but small population states (Iowa)
Why is Iowa less important for primaries
Unrepresentative state - low number of blacks, rural
How are primaries characterised (turnout)
Low turnout
Open/closed primaries (‘open = best)
What was the system before primaries + when did it change
State party conventions in ‘Smoke filled rooms’
Reformed after the 1968 primaries
3 strengths of Primaries + caucuses
1) Democratisation
2) Outsiders stand a chance
3) power of party bosses is removed
3 Weaknesses of the Caucus + Primary system
1) Voters suffer from voter fatigue
(Vote on 80k positions)
2) favours two party domination
3) Increase length of elections + need to campaign
What is a balanced ticket
Attempt to increase voter appeal by offering a VP candidate who is different to the president
3 functions of NNC (national nominating conventions)
1) choose the presidential + VP candidate
2) decide the ‘party platform’ (manifesto)
3) uniting the party after a tough primary season
How does the NNC choose the president now and in past
Now - Primaries
Delegates up until 1952
Example of NNC creating party unity
Hillary endorsing Obama in 2008
