This term paper is about the famous ’Super Tuesday’ in America. First I am going to explain why this topic is interesting for me and then I’ll take a look at the history and what relevance ‘Super Tuesday’ has for the primaries and the candidates. I am going to leave out to explain what primaries and caucasuses are because it would go beyond the scope of this term paper.
I took on this topic because in 2000/2001 I spent one year at an American high school in Wisconsin and lived with a host family. That was the first time I took notice of this day and the primaries in particular. Ever since that, it fascinated me and now I have a chance to find out more about this topic. I arrived in Stevens Point, Wisconsin in August so I did not exactly experience ‘Super Tuesday’, but it was talked about an awful lot in school in my American History class. I was also dragged to a speech of Al Gore in Madison. It was absolutely fascinating but I must admit, I thought the people around me were totally nuts. All this screaming and yelling at this gathering and putting stickers on the car so everybody could see whom they supported. I think Germans cannot understand this hype since we do not get to choose the party’s candidate for an election and I think it is crazy that the primaries take place almost a year ahead of the election in November. Sometimes I do not understand how Americans cannot get sick of this long lasting political back and forth but it was an experience I will cherish forever. And after reading a comment by state Rep. Robert F. Hagan of Youngstown, D-60th, about the primaries and caucuses, who said that “if the Nov. 4 presidential election is the political equivalent of the Super Bowl, then Thursday's Iowa caucuses and the Jan. 8 New Hampshire primary are the opening games. [...]
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is 'Super Tuesday'?
- History of 'Super Tuesday'
- Reasons for Moving Primary Dates to 'Super Tuesday'
- Reasons Against Moving Primary Dates to 'Super Tuesday'
Objectives and Key Themes
This term paper aims to explore the history and significance of "Super Tuesday" in the American presidential election process. It examines the reasons behind the concentration of primary elections on this single day and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of this system.
- The history and evolution of Super Tuesday
- The strategic importance of Super Tuesday for presidential candidates
- The impact of Super Tuesday on the nomination process
- Arguments for and against the clustering of primaries on Super Tuesday
- The role of Super Tuesday in shaping the overall political landscape
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage for the paper, explaining the author's personal connection to Super Tuesday stemming from a year spent in an American high school. It highlights the author's fascination with the event and the seemingly overwhelming political enthusiasm surrounding it, contrasting it with the German electoral system. The introduction also includes a relevant quote that likens the presidential election to the Super Bowl, using the analogy of playoffs to illustrate the significance of early primaries like Super Tuesday.
What is 'Super Tuesday'? This section defines Super Tuesday as a day in February or March when numerous states hold primary elections simultaneously to choose delegates for the national conventions. The significance lies in the large number of delegates that can be won on this single day, making it a crucial point in the race for the presidential nomination. The section underscores the intense competition among candidates to perform well on Super Tuesday.
History of 'Super Tuesday': This section explores the origins and evolution of Super Tuesday. While the exact date of its emergence into political lexicon is debated, the section highlights the role of Southern Democrats in strategically scheduling primaries to enhance the influence of conservative candidates, particularly after the 1984 election. The evolution is tracked through different years, noting the increasing number of participating states and the emergence of alternative names like "Mega Tuesday" and "Tsunami Tuesday" reflecting the scale of the event.
Reasons for Moving Primary Dates to 'Super Tuesday': This section outlines various reasons why states choose to hold their primaries on Super Tuesday. These include the desire to have a significant voice in the nomination process before it's too late, the amplification of momentum for successful candidates in early primaries, and concerns about an excessively prolonged nomination season potentially harming a party's prospects in the general election. It also discusses the strategic advantage gained by early decisive primaries and the ability of parties to compare their candidates against rivals.
Reasons Against Moving Primary Dates to 'Super Tuesday': This section presents arguments against scheduling primaries on Super Tuesday. The main argument is that the compressed timeframe prevents voters from adequately assessing candidates and potentially leads to a rushed and less informed decision-making process. The section also explains the role of Superdelegates in the nomination process and how they may be influenced by Super Tuesday outcomes.
Keywords
Super Tuesday, presidential primaries, caucuses, delegates, national conventions, nomination process, American political system, Southern Democrats, strategic voting, election momentum, Superdelegates.
Frequently Asked Questions: Super Tuesday in the American Presidential Election Process
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a term paper exploring the history and significance of "Super Tuesday" in the American presidential election. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What is Super Tuesday?
Super Tuesday is a day in February or March when numerous states hold primary elections simultaneously to choose delegates for the national conventions. The large number of delegates at stake makes it a crucial point in the race for the presidential nomination, leading to intense competition among candidates.
What is the history of Super Tuesday?
While the exact date of its emergence is debated, Super Tuesday's origins are linked to Southern Democrats strategically scheduling primaries to influence the nomination process, particularly after the 1984 election. The number of participating states has increased over time, leading to alternative names like "Mega Tuesday" and "Tsunami Tuesday."
Why do states choose to hold their primaries on Super Tuesday?
States aim to have a significant voice in the nomination process early on. A strong showing on Super Tuesday can provide crucial momentum for candidates. There are also concerns that an excessively long nomination season could harm a party's chances in the general election. Holding primaries on Super Tuesday offers strategic advantages and allows for early comparisons of candidates.
What are the arguments against holding primaries on Super Tuesday?
Critics argue that the compressed timeframe of Super Tuesday prevents voters from adequately assessing candidates, leading to rushed and less informed decisions. The influence of Superdelegates and how Super Tuesday outcomes might sway them is also a point of concern.
What are the key themes explored in the term paper?
The paper examines the history and evolution of Super Tuesday, its strategic importance for candidates, its impact on the nomination process, arguments for and against the clustering of primaries, and its role in shaping the overall political landscape.
What are the main objectives of the term paper?
The term paper aims to explore the history and significance of "Super Tuesday" and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of concentrating primary elections on a single day.
What are some key terms related to Super Tuesday?
Key terms include Super Tuesday, presidential primaries, caucuses, delegates, national conventions, nomination process, American political system, Southern Democrats, strategic voting, election momentum, and Superdelegates.
What is the author's personal connection to Super Tuesday?
The author's introduction mentions a personal connection stemming from a year spent in an American high school, highlighting the author's fascination with the political enthusiasm surrounding Super Tuesday, contrasting it with the German electoral system.
How does the paper compare Super Tuesday to other events?
The introduction uses the analogy of the Super Bowl and its playoffs to illustrate the significance of early primaries like Super Tuesday in the presidential election process.
- Quote paper
- Janina Maier (Author), 2008, History of ‘Super Tuesday’, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/142304
