Terms

United States Politics & Elections

The United States Politics and Elections begins with primary elections and caucuses, with candidates participating in campaigns and debates. US politics are shaped by two major political parties: Democrats and Republicans, also shaped by special interest groups, lobbyists, and the media. The citizens elect representatives to national, state, and local government, influenced by a diverse society, and citizens’ competing interests are reflected in politics. The United States Constitution stipulates that a presidential election is to be held once every fourth year, with the President and Vice-President positions’ election done long before election day. The US Federal Government is composed of three distinct branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—whose powers vested in the Congress, the President, and federal courts and the Supreme Court.

US 2 Party System

  • Republicans are associated with the color red
  • Democrats are associated with the color blue



Federal Elections

  • Presidential elections every 4 years
    • Based on a state-by-state electoral college system
    • Not based on a simple majority of votes
  • Congressional elections every 2 years
    • Includes 100% of house of representative members (congressman have 2 year term)
    • Include ~1/3 of Senators (Senators have 6 year term)
    • Midterms are congressional elections that happen out of sync with presidential
    • Sitting president usually helps campaign during midterms for members of congress