Malcolm Rivera
Political campaigns in the United States are often criticised for their length. Compared to other countries, US campaigns are unusually long and costly. While there are no legal limits on campaign lengths in the US, other countries have strict rules in place. For example, the UK limits politicians to 25 working days, or roughly five weeks, while Japan allows only 12 days of campaigning for general elections. The length of US campaigns is partly due to the focus on the presidency, with candidates prioritising fundraising activities and spending more time with donors than voters. The media also plays a role, as news outlets seek to fill their airwaves with campaign stories, creating a constant stream of political content that extends the duration of campaigns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Excessive frequency of elections | |
| High costs | $8 billion, $14 billion |
| Lengthy primary campaigns | |
| Focus on the presidency | |
| Constant campaigning and fundraising | |
| Voter fatigue | |
| Lengthy nomination processes | |
| Defined legal limits on campaign lengths | 25 working days, 22 days, 12 days |
| Sustained smear attacks | |
| Horse-race coverage |
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What You'll Learn
The US has more elections than other countries
US political campaigns are lengthy, and the country holds more elections than other nations. The US has a federal system, meaning that there are elections at local, state, and national levels. This means that there are more opportunities for campaigning and fundraising, which can be costly and time-consuming.
The US has a decentralised system, with no central elections authority, and each state has its own voting laws and procedures. This means that there is no standard election period across the country, and the frequency of elections can be high. For example, there are elections for the House and Senate, state and local offices, and ballot measures, in addition to presidential primaries and elections. This constant cycle of elections and campaigning can lead to voter exhaustion and low turnout.
In contrast, many other democracies have defined legal limits on campaign lengths. For example, in the UK, politicians have around five weeks to campaign, and political advertising on commercial television and radio is banned. Other countries with short campaign periods include South Korea, with a 22-day campaign period for national elections in 2022, and Japan, which allows only 12 days of campaigning for general elections.
The length of US campaigns has increased over time, particularly for presidential primary campaigns. These campaigns are now highly public, whereas previously, candidates relied on the approval of party elites, with less formal campaigning. The increase in campaign length may be due to the focus on the presidency, as well as the growth of primary campaigns and the need to raise funds.
While the US has more frequent elections than some countries, it is important to note that the US also has a lower voter turnout when compared to other countries. This could be due to various factors, including the lack of a central elections authority, inconsistent state voting laws, and the fact that registered voters in the US are a self-selected group.
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US campaigns are costly
US political campaigns are costly undertakings, with money spent on campaigns in the 21st century rising faster than inflation. The total cost of federal elections, including congressional and presidential races, has increased significantly over time. This has led to a perception among the American public that campaigns are unduly influenced by wealthy donors. Indeed, a 2016 study found that politicians were more receptive to individuals who had donated to their campaigns, and companies that contributed larger sums to federal candidates subsequently received more contracts.
The high cost of campaigns can be attributed to various factors, including the length of US election cycles, the volume of elections, and the expense of campaigning strategies and technologies. The lengthy primary campaigns, which are conducted in the public eye, contribute significantly to the overall cost. Additionally, the sheer number of elections in the US means that campaigning efforts are almost constant, requiring continuous funding.
Campaign financing in the US primarily comes from private sources, with most funding coming from donors working in subsidized industries. Political Action Committees (PACs) play a significant role in campaign financing, as they can raise and contribute substantial amounts of money. These PACs are often connected to corporations, unions, or interest groups, and they can exert considerable influence on the political process.
To address concerns about the influence of money in politics, there have been efforts to implement public funding for presidential campaigns. The Presidential Election Campaign Fund, financed by taxpayers who voluntarily designate a portion of their taxes, provides matching funds for eligible candidates during the primary campaign and funds for major party nominees in the general election. However, the effectiveness of these measures in curbing the overall cost of campaigns and the influence of private donors is a subject of ongoing debate.
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US campaigns are publicly visible
US political campaigns are lengthy and highly publicly visible. They are often comprised of multiple "sub-campaigns", including fundraising, courting the support of party leaders and journalists, and seeking votes. The length of these campaigns is also influenced by the sheer volume of elections in the country.
The public nature of US campaigns is further intensified by the extensive use of media and advertising. Campaigns leverage various forms of media, such as paid media and earned media, to broadcast tailored messages to the public and control the timing of their release. Paid media, generated through direct spending, includes political advertisements and organized events, while earned media refers to free media coverage from news stories or social media posts. Social media and new media platforms, such as Facebook, YouTube, and custom-generated social engines, have become essential tools for reaching new target populations, particularly younger demographics.
Additionally, the increasing flow of money into campaigns contributes to their public visibility. According to Pew Research Center data, there is more money in the US political system now than at any time since the campaign finance reforms of the 1970s. This includes funds from candidates, parties, and outside groups, with a notable increase in non-party independent expenditures. The 2014 Senate elections, for example, saw nearly $1.1 billion spent, a 25% increase from the previous cycle.
The public funding of presidential elections also plays a role in the visibility of campaigns. The Presidential Election Campaign Fund, financed by taxpayers who voluntarily designate a portion of their taxes, provides funds to eligible presidential candidates to cover qualified expenses. This funding is intended to match contributions from individuals and support major party nominees.
Furthermore, the structure of US campaigns, with their reliance on volunteers and activists, adds to their public presence. Campaign teams, regardless of size, must focus on communicating their message, recruiting volunteers, and raising funds. Volunteers and interns engage in activities such as canvassing door-to-door, making phone calls, and utilizing social media to promote the campaign and its candidate.
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US campaigns are not limited in duration
US political campaigns are not limited in duration, and they have been getting longer over time. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, the selection of candidates was previously controlled by national parties, but this changed, and now candidates are chosen through primaries. This has resulted in a trend called "frontloading", where states push their contests earlier in the nomination process. This means that candidates have to run simultaneous campaigns in multiple states, requiring extensive resources and media exposure.
Another factor is the increasing cost of campaigns. The 2020 US presidential election spending exceeded $14 billion, with $5.7 billion spent on the presidential campaigns alone. This money is used for various purposes, including digital media buys, advertisements, and posters, as well as fundraising and securing the support of party leaders and journalists. The high cost of campaigns has led to concerns about the influence of money in politics and has sparked debates about campaign finance reform. Some argue for limiting campaign spending, while others, like conservatives Betsy DeVos and James Bopp, see such restrictions as an unjust limitation on free speech.
The length of US campaigns is also influenced by the sheer volume of elections. The country has exceptionally long elections compared to other democracies, and this is partly due to the large number of elections held. Additionally, the media's portrayal of elections as a horse race contributes to the perception of lengthy campaigns.
The lack of limits on campaign durations in the US allows candidates to engage in extended periods of campaigning, fundraising, and securing support. This process is further prolonged by the high costs and the multitude of elections, resulting in US political campaigns that are often seen as exceptionally long.
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US campaigns are affected by news and social media
US political campaigns are lengthy, and news and social media play a significant role in this. Firstly, the omnipresence of campaigning in American life is partly due to the sheer volume of elections, including House and Senate races, state and local offices, and ballot measures, in addition to presidential primaries and elections. This results in near-constant campaigning, which is amplified by the media.
News media plays a crucial role in US political campaigns, as it is a primary source of information for voters. Journalists have been accused of wielding excessive power over the political process, with allegations of biased coverage and the creation of false equivalencies between candidates. The media often employs a "horserace" or "game frame" narrative, focusing on who is ahead or behind in the polls and perpetuating character-based scripts. This type of coverage can influence public perception and voter behaviour, as it frames the election as a competition. Additionally, partisan news outlets, such as Fox News and MSNBC, present distinct political viewpoints that can shape people's opinions about candidates and motivate political participation.
Social media has also had a significant impact on US political campaigns. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have provided politicians with a direct means of communicating with the voting public, bypassing traditional news media as gatekeepers. This has allowed candidates to raise significant funds in a short period, especially newcomers, by reaching a wider audience and presenting carefully curated images. Social media algorithms, which prioritize engagement, can contribute to the spread of misinformation and create echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs. However, social media also gives users access to a diversity of perspectives and more direct interactions with candidates.
The length of US political campaigns, influenced by news and social media, has important implications. Long campaigns can lead to voter exhaustion and low turnout, as well as shift the focus of candidates from governing to constant campaigning and fundraising. However, some argue that lengthy campaigns have benefits, such as providing voters with a better understanding of economic conditions and improving their ability to make informed voting decisions.
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Frequently asked questions
Political campaigns in the US are lengthy compared to other countries due to the focus on the presidency and the lack of legal limits on campaign lengths. The US also has a high frequency of elections, leading to constant campaigning and fundraising.
Longer campaigns give voters a better understanding of issues and allow them to make more informed decisions. They also provide a platform for political debate and discussion, which some consider beneficial to the quality of public life.
Longer campaigns can be expensive and time-consuming, leading to increased fundraising and less time spent with voters. They may also result in excessive campaigning and contribute to voter exhaustion and low turnout.
