Nominations and Campaigns Q&A
The caucus is a meeting of all state party leaders for selecting delegates to the national party convention. Caucuses are usually organized as a pyramid. The caucus is open to all voters who registered with the party (in 12 states). The caucus method consists of the precinct level, then county, then congressional district, and lastly the state convention which picks the delegates. The primary method elects the delegates through elections in which the voters in each state chose a candidate. The presidential primary method of delegate selection is mostly the way that delegates to the national party conventions are chosen.
2. Explain the ways that “high-tech” campaigning has changed the nature of American politics
Prior to the 20th century, candidates would have to take the train or travel long distanced to share their political views with the people. Now, however with the new high-tech media age, it is possible for candidates to share their ideas with the American public in the comfort of the White House, or sometimes even their vacations spot. The media broadcasts commercials, debates, and other ways of showing the American public the politicians view. Direct mail, has allowed candidates to raise money through supporters of the candidate without even meeting him. Many people are concerned with the extend to which the media and high technology has influenced politics, but it has only made things better in the world of politics in my opinion
3. How has the growth of PACs impacted American politics
Politics have been greatly influenced by the growth of Political Action Committees. A PAC is a funding vehicle which was created by the 1947 campaign finance reforms. A corporation, union, or some other interest group can create a PAC and register it with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), which will meticulously monitor the PACs expenditures. PACs are ways for candidates to get money for their campaigns. Some legislature has prohibited the donation of money to politics because there has been a link between money given and votes received. Each PAC can give a certain amount of money to a candidate of a specific party. Over 285 million dollars have been donated. That is how the PACs have influenced American politics.
4. How does the media influence the style and substance of the presidential campaigns?
Today, a presidential campaign is essentially a mass media campaign. The media shows commercials of specific candidates and televises important political speeches and or events. The most important goal of the media campaign is to get attention. Media coverage is determined by how candidates use their advertising budget and the free attention they get. The media has made it that people have learned more about political policies and the policy agenda of each candidate from slogans, than on the nightly news. The media tries to make an entertaining story which influences the style and substance of the presidential campaign.
5. Does the American style of campaigns lead to a more democratic or less democratic style of government? Explain
I think that the American style of campaigns can lead to both a democratic or non democratic style of government. However, choosing between the two, I would say that the style of campaigns leads to a more republican or less democratic style of government. Because there is a greater financial issue involved in campaigns, it seems like a less democratic thing to deal with money. Democratic would try to help in the best interest of the citizen, and by supposedly buying votes through PACs; it seems that it’s all about getting the votes and being elected into office. Most of the candidates run out of money for campaigning. It would seem like a better idea to donate that money that would be spent on campaigns or give it back to the government to help welfare reform. That would be the more democratic thing to do, but in today’s style of campaigning it seems like the party has turned to a more republican style
