GOV 310L Chapter 7: Government - Elections
Document Summary
The federal government holds elections every 2 years. Each election gives voters the chance to select a new representative for the house of representatives. Every other election allows them to vote for president. Each of a state"s two seats in the senate is contested every 6 years; state voters select a senator in two our of every three federal elections. States often hold their elections at the same time as federal elections. Incumbent advantage: representatives who run for reelection win approximately 90% of the time and while incumbent senators have a tremendous electoral advantage, Senators run statewide, and almost always face a serious challenger. House members run in their home districts, where constituents are often overwhelmingly of one party due to gerrymandering. Nominations: the parties choose their candidates for the general elections. General elections: voters decide who will hold elective of ce. Majority of states use primary elections to select presidential nominees.
