Running for Office
What is it called when a person declares they want to run for office?
Self-announcement
What is a fundraiser?
An event to collect money for a campaign
What is a platform?
A set of ideas/plans that a candidate stands for
What is one way candidates use ads?
To present their ideas or attack opponents
What is a petition in elections?
A way for candidates to get on the ballot with voter signatures
What's one reason a presidential candidate might announce their run two years early?
More time to fundraise and build support
What's one way candidates raise money from lots of small donors?
Direct-mail campaigns or websites
Give one example of an issue that might be in a platform.
Immigration, climate, education, economy, etc.
How are ads different from debates?
Ads are scripted & controlled, debates are live
Why might a candidate choose to run as an independent?
They don't belong to a major party
Who helps a candidate write speeches, print posters, and manage campaign details?
Campaign manager/treasurer
What's a big advantage of having more money than opponents?
Seen as "front-runner" and can reach more voters
Why are debates important for voters?
See candidates answer questions live, compare ideas, test communication skills
Why might a negative ad backfire?
It can make voters dislike the attacker instead
Why do petition requirements vary across states?
Each state sets its own election laws
How is running for president different from running for city council?
President requires huge national organization, council is small/local
What do volunteers do in a campaign?
Make calls, knock on doors, hand out flyers, etc.
What makes debates different from campaign speeches?
Unscripted, live, show real interactions
What's one modern way candidates reach voters outside of TV ads?
Websites, social media, online videos
What's one challenge third-party candidates face in elections?
Hard to get on all 50 ballots; less support/money
Why is money so important for a campaign at any level?
To fund ads, travel, staff, materials; without it, campaigns fail
What's one difference between big donors and small donors?
Big donors give large amounts, small donors give smaller but more numerous contributions
What is one benefit of having third-party candidates in debates?
They introduce new ideas and give voters more choices
Why do candidates spend so much on ads?
Ads reach large numbers of voters and influence opinions
In 2020, the Libertarian Party was on the ballot in all 50 states. Why was this an achievement?
It's rare for third party candidates to reach every state ballot