Campaigns and Elections

David A. Hughes, Ph.D.

Auburn University at Montgomery

david.hughes@aum.edu

September 24, 2019

David A. Hughes, Ph.D. Introduction to American Politics

Review

• So far, we’ve discussed the foundations and origins ofAmerican government.

• Moving forward, we’re going to discuss specific aspects ofAmerican politics.

• In this section of the course, we’ll discuss how legislators andexecutives run for and perform in office.

David A. Hughes, Ph.D. Introduction to American Politics

Why hold elections?

David A. Hughes, Ph.D. Introduction to American Politics

Who do voters prefer, and who wins?

David A. Hughes, Ph.D. Introduction to American Politics

American electoral institutions

David A. Hughes, Ph.D. Introduction to American Politics

Running for office

David A. Hughes, Ph.D. Introduction to American Politics

Campaign financing

David A. Hughes, Ph.D. Introduction to American Politics

Outside spending

David A. Hughes, Ph.D. Introduction to American Politics

Public financing

David A. Hughes, Ph.D. Introduction to American Politics

Television advertising

David A. Hughes, Ph.D. Introduction to American Politics

Advertising content

David A. Hughes, Ph.D. Introduction to American Politics

Campaigning in the age of social media

David A. Hughes, Ph.D. Introduction to American Politics

Conclusion

• Popular elections play a critical role in American democracy.

• American political institutions, candidate ambition, and voterinformation help to determine how candidates pursue officeand who wins.

David A. Hughes, Ph.D. Introduction to American Politics

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David A. Hughes, Ph.D. Introduction to American Politics