the functions of congress 2.2

Question 1

what is a good aspect about the frequency of these elections for the electorate

Answer 1

every two years = high levels of representation

Question 2

what electoral system do they use in congressional elections

Answer 2

FPTP (both the House and the Senate are elected in single-member constituencies.)

Question 3

what election can happen before a congressional election

Answer 3

primary ( if two candidates from the same party decided to run for the seat)

Question 4

why are mid term elections so important for the executive branch

Answer 4

based on the president’s executive orders, power can be limited or increased

Question 5

how has campaigning changed over the years when it comes to congressional elections

Answer 5

Mid-term elections have shifted from individual candidate platforms to more nationalised campaigns, where parties run on a common agenda led by the House speaker and minority leaders

Question 6

when is an example of when the President’s party loses control of one or more chambers

Answer 6

OBAMA 2014:
- Republicans gain seats and take majority from Democrats in the Senate, retaining House control
- Obama resorted to executive orders to achieve key policy goals.

Question 7

when is an example of when the President’s party gains seats and a majority in both chambers

Answer 7

BUSH 2002
- One of only three elections where the president’s
party has gained seats in the House.
- unify around the president after 9/11,
- Bush one of the most powerful US presidents for the next four years.

Question 8

when is an example of when the President’s party gains seats in at least one chamber but does not gain a majority in either chamber

Answer 8

CLINTON 1998
- Republicans tried turn election into referendum on the Lewinsky affair
- backfired as Democrats gained House seats, ending efforts to remove Clinton from office.