POLS 1101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 10: Watergate Scandal, Gerrymandering, Political Action Committee
13 Dec 2016
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Incumbent- the person already holding an elective office. Presidential elections receive 50-55% of the vote but in congressional elections but congressional elections win with significantly more (>60%) In most election years, majority of incumbents (>90%) are reelected to congress. 2012- 90% house reelected & 91% senate reelected. 2014- 95% house reelected & 82% senate reelected: since 1960, incumbent rates never dropped below 80% in house and 60% in senate. Incumbency advantage- the tendency of incumbents to do better than otherwise similarly challengers, especially in congressional elections. Due to members" ability to do constituency service. Members of congress (unlike president) are more likely to actively provide services to those that they represent- members look out for people of their state. Incumbents have ability to claim credit for bridges, roads and projects in their district- shows their ability to help secure funds for the district. Builds support for member that isn"t tied to partisanship.
