Electoral process

Definition

The system by which citizens select their government representatives through voting. In the United States, this includes primary elections, general elections, and the Electoral College system for choosing the president.

How It Works

  1. Candidates announce their campaigns and begin fundraigning.
  2. Primary elections and caucuses are held in each state to select party nominees.
  3. National party conventions formally nominate presidential candidates.
  4. Candidates campaign in the general election, participating in debates and rallying voters.
  5. Citizens cast their votes on Election Day.
  6. Electors in the Electoral College cast votes based on their state's results.
  7. A candidate who wins 270 or more electoral votes becomes president.

Examples

  • Presidential elections held every four years in November
  • Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primaries as early nominating contests
  • The 2000 election where the Electoral College result differed from the popular vote
Key Fact

A candidate needs 270 out of 538 electoral votes to win the presidency.

Related Terms

Voting and elections Political parties Two-party system Campaign finance

Study This Concept

Practice electoral process with free review games in these units:

U.S. Government Unit 7: Political Parties and Elections