Welcome to the new version of CaltechAUTHORS. Login is currently restricted to library staff. If you notice any issues, please email coda@library.caltech.edu
Published October 24, 2017 | Submitted
Report Open

The Inherent Disadvantage of the Presidential Party in Midterm Congressional Elections

Abstract

The almost inevitable midterm election loss suffered by the president's congressional party still lacks a complete explanation. It is argued here that the policy positions of the president help shape voters' perceptions of the positions of congressional candidates. Because the president implements policies before the midterm campaign begins, and because he has goals apart from winning seats in Congress, his party's candidates are at a disadvantage, relative to their opponents, in communicating the most favorable positions possible to their voters. This model of the midterm campaign not only explains midterm losses, but also accounts for rare failures of this phenomenon, as occurred in 1934.

Additional Information

Revised. We wish to thank Professor Morris Fiorina for his valuable assistance and encouragement. Published as Calvert, Randall L., and R. Mark Isaac. "The inherent disadvantage of the presidential party in midterm congressional elections." Public Choice 36.1 (1981): 141-146.

Attached Files

Submitted - sswp191_-_revised.pdf

Files

sswp191_-_revised.pdf
Files (384.7 kB)
Name Size Download all
md5:36af0f990ecbae40043d6278276f07ec
384.7 kB Preview Download

Additional details

Created:
August 19, 2023
Modified:
January 14, 2024