Incumbency Advantage: Just Keep Winning
Introduction It’s a few weeks before the primary elections for Congress. You’re watching TV, and the anchor is talking about the upcoming Senate race in
U.S. Elections
Lame Ducks: The Last Quacks of Elected Officials
Introduction In the 18th century, businessmen in London suffering from financial problems were described as having to “waddle out of the alley like a lame
Voting Rights Act of 1965: Fighting Disenfranchisement
Introduction The 15th Amendment, which gave African American men the right to vote, was ratified in 1870. But nearly one hundred years later, many, especially
Vote by Mail: Voting at Your Convenience
Introduction Quinn is getting ready to vote in the upcoming election but doesn’t want to go to the polling place. While researching alternative options, they
Voter Suppression: The Battle for the Ballot
Introduction Imagine you were alive in 1788, the year that the U.S. Constitution was ratified and American democracy was born. You would only need to
Electoral College Debate: To Keep or Abolish?
Introduction Imagine you’re voting for class president. You would probably expect that the student with the highest number of votes would become president, and you’d
Electoral College: The Race for 270
Introduction It’s the second Tuesday in November: the day of the presidential election. You’ve done your research, chosen your favorite candidate, and you’re ready to
Gerrymandering: Manipulating Democracy
Problem Do you know what your voting district looks like? If you aren’t a voter, and even if you are, why would you? It doesn’t
Presidential Conventions and Delegates: Choose Your Fighter
Problem What’s all the fuss over the presidential conventions? Party candidates fight for a year, campaigning across the country to drum up the most support
How Primaries Work vs Caucuses: Two Meetings of the Minds
Problem Let’s say your family needs to figure out where you’re going out for dinner – how would you come to a decision? Does everyone
