Describe the technological changes in political campaigns over ...

[mwit1967]

Describe the technological changes in political campaigns over the past two decades, and discuss the consequences of these changes on campaigning and elections.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What are the elections in which Texans have opportunities to vote? When are the elections held and what is the nature of voter participation in them in terms of numbers of people voting and who votes? What are the implications of timing and participation?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[ryhom]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Explain the use of surveys in political campaigns, including benchmark and tracking surveys, and explain the use of focus groups.
2. Explain growth in the use of the Internet and how it is used in campaigns.
3. Explain the concept of segmentation and how campaigns craft messages to specific audiences.
4. Explain the growing reliance on electronic media and professional campaign consultants and the decline in grassroots campaigning.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Identify and explain primary elections, general elections, local elections, and special elections.
2. Identify when each of the types of elections is typically held.
3. Explain that turnout is highest in general elections for state and federal offices and can be very low in local and special elections.
4. Explain that voters in elections other than general elections for state and federal offices tend to be more ideological, have higher income, and are more educated than voters in general elections (and certainly more than the general population).
5. Explain that holding elections at different times can depress voter turnout because of voter fatigue.
6. Explain that patterns in turnout can lead to the nomination of extreme candidates for general elections and can create opportunities for greater influence by special interest groups.