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American Government and Organization

Learn about the advantages of incumbency in elections, including name recognition and resources, and how the electoral system influences competition. Explore examples from Congressional elections and alternative systems like Proportional Representation. Dive into real-life scenarios like the California Recall and Primary Elections for a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape.

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American Government and Organization

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  1. American Government and Organization PS1301-164 Monday, 29 September

  2. Review • Midterm and Review Sheet • Discuss Incumbency advantage and the electoral system

  3. Incumbency Advantage

  4. Decline in Competition

  5. Incumbent Victory Margins

  6. Explanations for Incumbency Advantage • Name Recognition • Greater resources for staff, travel, local offices, and communication • In 2001, these allowances ranged from $980,699 to $1,469,930 per legislator in the House; $1,926,296 to $3,301,071 in the Senate • Casework • Campaign contributions • Hard work • Electoral Rules

  7. How the Electoral System Can Reduce Competition • Members of Congress are elected from states and congressional districts by plurality vote – that is, whoever gets the most votes wins (also referred to as first past the post (FPTP). • Redistricting creates “safe” districts • Senate races are more competitive in part because states are more diverse, more balanced party competition

  8. Donovan/Bowler – Reforming the Republic Table 3.1 p49 Congressional Elections Example of votes to seats bias from First past the post elections

  9. Sample Ballot for California Recall • Two Questions • Shall Gray Davis be recalled (removed) from the office of Governor? • Candidates to succeed Gray Davis as Governor if he is recalled. Vote for one. • Link to Sample Ballot

  10. Alternatives • Proportional Representation • gives a party a share of seats in the legislature matching the share of votes it wins on election day. • Thus voters choose among parties, not individual candidates

  11. Proportional Representation: German Bundestag • Generally, vote for party not candidate • Mixed system – two votes • Germany and New Zealand

  12. New Zealand Proportional (Mixed) System 120 members total About 55 elected by party vote from one large national district Also divided into first-past-the-post (plurality winner) single member districts (electorate vote)

  13. Sample Ballot-Primary Election for Mayor or City Attorney

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