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From announcements to election day, presidential campaigns in the U.S. can last up to two years. So how did elections get this long?
Key Points:
- The U.S. has by far one of the longest campaigning processes in the world.
- The first election had basically no campaigning, but over time primaries and caucuses were set up.
- Three major events led to the modern-day campaigning process: (1) In 1968 Hubert Humphries was appointed the democratic nominee without winning a primary, causing riots. (2) In 1972, Iowa moved its primary to January because of outdated copy machines. (3) In 1976, Jimmy Carter won the Iowa caucus and put his name on the map, eventually winning the nomination.
- Since the 1970’s, ten-month campaigns have shaped U.S. politics.
Quote This:
If voting made any difference they wouldn’t let us do it. -Mark Twain
See Also: Politics
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Why do you think election season is so stressful in the U.S.?
- What are the disadvantages of a long campaign cycle? What are the advantages?
- Do you think voting is central to freedom, democracy, justice, and other American values? Why or why not?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
This is part of the Let’s Talk Politics series.
