Learning Objectives

14-1 American Presidential Elections in Historical Perspective

  • Describe the historical development of the presidential selection process.

14-2 The Nomination Campaign

  • Distinguish between primaries and caucuses, and explain the purpose of the national conventions.

14-3 The General Election Campaign

  • Describe the strategies that candidates use to win elections and critique the Electoral College system.

14-4 Campaign Funding

  • Assess the impact of money on presidential campaigns, and describe the laws governing campaign finance.

14-5 Congressional Campaigns and Elections

  • Define the power of incumbency, turnout levels, and presidential coattails in congressional elections.