5.9  Congressional  Elections

The impact of federal policies on campaigning and electoral rules continues to be contested by both sides of the political spectrum. 

Explain how the different processes work in U.S. congressional elections. 

The process and outcomes in U.S. congressional elections are impacted by: 

• Incumbency advantage phenomenon 

• Open and closed primaries 

• Caucuses 

• General (presidential and midterm) elections