The US Political Processes and Elections: Things to Know
It can be confusing to keep up with the changing political processes and elections in the US. Whether you’ve recently become a US citizen, or you’re looking to stay up to date with the current political environment, this article will teach you the basics of the US political processes and elections. From taking a closer look at the different levels of elections to understanding how the results of each election affects the country, here’s what to know about the US political processes and elections.
The Basics of the US Political Processes and Elections
Before you can understand the US political processes and elections, it’s important to get a broad overview of the different levels of government and their respective responsibilities. All in all, there are 3 layers of US government:
Federal: The federal government is in charge of setting and enforcing laws across the US, printing and coining currency, maintaining relationships with foreign countries, and more.
State: The state government is responsible for setting and enforcing laws within state boundaries, distributing resources and overseeing public projects, and more.
Local: The local government is responsible for running educational systems, providing city services like infrastructure maintenance, setting and enforcing laws within boundaries, and more.
The Different Types of Elections
Besides the 3 levels of government, the US political processes and elections also include multiple types of elections. Depending on the position being elected, the type of election can vary. Here are 3 types of elections that take place in the US:
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General Elections: General elections take place every other year and are used to elect the US President, the US House of Representatives, and the US Senate.
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Midterm Elections: Midterm elections take place in the years following presidential elections, and are used to elect Governors, the US House of Representatives (in some cases), and state legislatures.
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Special Elections: Special elections are generally called upon due to unexpected vacancies in Congress or the presidency, or when a state or local law allows.
Voting and How It Works
Voting is one of the most important parts of the political process. In the US, all eligible citizens have the right to vote in elections. Depending on the state and the election, citizens may be able to vote in-person or absentee. Here are a few things to know about voting:
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Eligibility: To be able to vote in any election, citizens must be a US citizen, be 18 years old on or before the day of the general election, and meet any additional requirements set by the state.
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Registration: Before each election, citizens must register to be able to vote. This process includes filling out a form and submitting it online, in person, or through the mail.
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Polling: Polling places open on the day of elections for citizens to cast their votes. It’s important to check your state’s polling hours to make sure your vote is counted.
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Results: After the polls close, election officials tally the votes and determine the winners of the election. This can take several days, depending on the election.
Election Results and Their Impacts
The results of elections can have a lasting effect on the US. For example, the outcome of a presidential election can determine the country’s direction and path for the next 4 years. Similarly, the results of state and local elections determine which issues are prioritized and how resources are allocated across the country. Here are 3 ways in which the results of elections might affect the US:
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Federal Laws: After a presidential election, the President-elect might move to pass new laws, overturn previous laws, and nominate new federal officials. For example, depending on the party that is in power after the election, federal laws on immigration, health care, taxation, and more, may change.
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Industry Changes: After midterm or special elections, state and local authorities might use the results to prioritize certain industries or projects. For example, depending on the party in power, states might focus on renewable energy sources or traditional sources.
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Social Movements: The results of elections can also influence social movements and public opinion. For example, after the midterm elections in 2018, the US saw an influx of new grassroots organizations focused on issues like climate change and immigration.
The US political processes and elections are a complex system that can be difficult to keep up with. From understanding the different levels of government to taking a closer look at the different types of elections, this article has taught you the basics of the US political processes and elections. Hopefully, this information has provided a better understanding of how voting and election results help shape the US.