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What are Mid-Term Elections?
Election Primary
Election 2008 Polls
Politics 2008
Michael Pollick
Mid-term elections occur in the middle of a president's term in office, hence the name mid-term. While presidential elections are held every four years in the United States, general elections for other positions are held every two years. These elections usually involve state governors, state and federal congressmen, and a number of local elected positions, such as county commissioners, city councilmen and judges. Since US senators serve 6 year terms, their re-election campaigns are usually held at this time too.
Approximately one third of U.S. Senate seats are decided by mid-term elections.
Non-presidential elections are often viewed as a litmus test for the sitting president's effectiveness as a political party's leader. A popular Democratic president, for example, may use his own popularity to bolster the campaigns of Democratic candidates during mid-term elections. An unpopular president, however, may not be able to provide much of a political boost for his party. Very close races may hinge on the public's perceptions of the Republican and Democratic parties, not necessarily on the local elections themselves.
Mid-term elections take place during the middle of a president's term in office and can change control of Congress.
Some mid-term elections have become legendary. When former President Clinton was elected in 1992, many political analysts saw it as an indictment against the failed economic policies of previous Republican administrations. The ruling Democratic party, buoyed by a popular president, should have swept many of the 1994 elections. Instead, a revitalized Republican party, led by Senator Newt Gingrich, managed to regain control of Congress. The 1998 elections were not quite as dramatic, but the 1994 reversal of fortune by the Republicans is still viewed as a remarkable comeback.
Mid-term elections can also be considered glimpses into the future. A sitting president seeking re-election could feel empowered if his political party gained strength during these elections. If his or her party suffered significant losses at the polls, however, then it may be a sign that changes in policies or public perception are necessary. Leaders from both political parties keep a very close eye on the election results, and use this information to formulate a winning strategy for their presidential candidates.
Mid-term elections occur in the middle of a president's term in office.
A regular wiseGEEK contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.
History World United States Education Science People Technology Internet Business Food Beauty Language Miscellaneous Industry Anatomy Health Crafts Cars Home Finance Medicine Fashion Fitness Art Environment Travel Law Hobbies
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Though the midterm elections don't have as big an effect on things as the election primary, I do think they can really affect things since they usually create balance between the parties that have control.
I think it's good when midterm elections go the opposite way for the president because that adversarial approach usually provides for the right changes.
Oasis11-Obama's campaign manager did a great job getting him elected. I agree that when people listen to empty rhetoric and are seduced by that you invite a cult of personality to set in. This is how Castro came into power. He gave great speeches.
When the Cuban people realized what they actually got with Castro, it was too late because Cuba turned communist and people's choices were gone.
Although this can not happen here because of our constitution, we still need to pay attention and make sure that the people we elect represent our beliefs and not follow an agenda that the majority of Americans oppose.
BrickBack-I think that the election issues of a poor economy are really at play.
People are frustrated with lack of jobs and increasing taxes. I also think that people do not feel comfortable with the President's foreign policy initiatives.
This is very different than the election 2008 polls. There people were looking for a change in administration and possibly an end to the Iraqi war.
Obama won the elections 2008 because his presentation skills were good. A lot of people that voted for him did not know anything about him.
They just like how he talked. The buyer's remorse that many people are now feeling as a result should be a wake up call that politics is a serious business.
You need to be an informed voter before you actually vote because you may vote someone into to office that might bring on changes that you never wanted. I know many people wish they could reverse the election 2008 results.
BrickBack
The mid term congressional elections occur every two years. They are referred to as mid term because they occur at the middle of the President's term. Usually the mid term elections go to the opposite party that is in office this is what normally happens.
For example, the 2004 mid term elections was a landslide election year, in which Bill Clinton lost the House and Senate.
The same results are expected in this year's mid term election in November, but pollsters are stating that the Republican gains might even be larger because of the growing discontent with the President's political agenda.