Course Overview and US Democracy Foundations

This politics course covers three essential areas you need to master: electoral systems (especially presidential elections and campaign finance), the key ideas of Democratic and Republican parties, and how interest groups shape American democracy.

The founding fathers deliberately designed a system that limited direct democracy because they feared "uneducated masses" making poor decisions. Only the House of Representatives gets directly elected by voters - senators were originally appointed by state governments, and presidential elections use an indirect system where you're really voting for people who then choose the president.

The structure reflects this cautious approach to democracy. The Senate represents states equally (two senators each) with 6-year terms, whilst the House of Representatives is based on population with 435 members serving 2-year terms to stay closer to public opinion.

Quick Tip: Remember that the Senate tries impeachment cases and confirms nominations, whilst the House starts impeachment proceedings and all revenue bills.

Presidential Elections: The Invisible Primary and Primaries

Presidential campaigns actually start years before you see them on the news. The "invisible primary" begins in winter of the year before the election, where candidates spend most of their time raising funds and proving they're presidential material. In 2015, Republicans had 17 candidates competing at this stage!

Primaries and caucuses (January to June) let party members choose their candidate through public votes. Each state has different rules - some allow anyone to vote (open primary), others only registered party members (closed primary), and caucus states hold public debates before voting by literally standing in groups.

"Super Tuesday" happens in early February when multiple states hold primaries simultaneously, and "front loading" means states keep moving their primaries earlier to gain more influence. Republicans use winner-takes-all systems, making these contests particularly intense.

Reality Check: The system raises important issues and tests candidates thoroughly, but it's confusing, expensive, and gives early states unfair influence over later ones.

VP Selection, Conventions, and the Electoral College

Choosing a vice president involves creating a "balanced ticket" - pairing candidates who appeal to different voter groups (like Biden and Harris). VPs need governmental potential, help with party unity, and increase representation within the party.

National conventions happen every four years where each party officially selects their presidential and VP candidates and writes their party platform (essentially their manifesto). These used to be dramatic affairs, but now they're mostly ceremonial since primaries decide everything - there hasn't been a second ballot since 1952.

The Electoral College is where things get controversial. You're not directly voting for president - you're voting for electors who then choose the president. Candidates need 270 out of 538 electoral votes to win. This means presidents can lose the popular vote but still win (like Trump in 2016 and Bush in 2000).

Key Debate: 61% of Americans wanted to end the Electoral College in 2016, but it gives smaller states more influence and ensures there's always a clear winner.

Campaign Finance and Political Funding

Campaign finance in America is vastly different from the UK system. The landmark Citizens United vs FEC (2010) Supreme Court ruling said restricting corporate spending on elections violated free speech rights. This created Super PACs - groups that can raise unlimited money to support candidates.

FECA (1974) tried to limit contributions - individuals can give maximum £2,700, groups £5,000. But there are massive loopholes: soft money from interest groups isn't regulated, and candidates can reject federal funding limits entirely.

The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (2002) banned soft money and restricted corporate-funded adverts, but Citizens United overturned much of this. By 2023, there were 2,476 Super PACs raising £2.7 billion.

Groups like the NRA heavily fund Republican candidates, raising serious questions about whether wealthy donors have excessive influence over democracy. The system creates inequality where candidates' fundraising ability often matters more than their ideas.

Critical Question: Does unlimited spending protect free speech, or does it give the wealthy unfair control over elections?