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Article 1: Windett, J. H. (July 2014). Gendered Campaign Strategies in U.S. Elections. American Politics Research42(4). 628-655.

This article discusses the impact of gender on gubernatorial and senate candidate’s issues prioritization. The author argues that women running for statewide office prefer to play against gender stereotypes in their issue priorities. Women will only run a gendered campaign in response to male candidates who do it first. 

Questions to Consider:

1. What are the two options that women generally have when framing their issues?
2. What is the author’s fundamental conclusion? Do gender and context matter?

Learning objective: Explain the function of elections, both as intended by the founders and in practice.

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Article 2: Bor, S. E. (August 2014). Using Social Network Sites to Improve Communication Between Political Campaigns and Citizens in the 2012 Election. American Behavioral Scientist 58(9). 1195-1213.

This article discusses the use of social networks sites during the 2012 campaigns and the lack of research available in the field that examines the complex relationship between campaigns and social networks. The author’s analysis found that social networking sites were used to improve the effectiveness of the campaigns message and to generate online engagement.

Questions to Consider:

1. What is digital democracy?
2. What are the five major contextual properties of social networks as discussed by Boyd (2008)?
3. What is the future of social networking sites and campaigns? Do you foresee an increase in the use of social media?

Learning objective: Analyze the reasons why Americans vote or don't vote

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CQ Researcher

• Voting Controversies

Learning objective: Summarize the importance of elections for citizens