Describe how the power of incumbency works. Also, explain the advantages that incumbents have that can aid their reelection.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary.The power of incumbency has long been noted in American politics. Typically, incumbents win so often and by such large margins that some observers have claimed that the American electoral system involves something similar to a hereditary entitlement.Incumbent politicians enjoy several advantages over their opponents. A key advantage is their fund-raising ability. Most incumbent members of Congress have a much larger network of contacts, donors, and lobbyists than their opponents have. Incumbents raise, on average, twice as much in campaign funds as their challengers. Other advantages that incumbents can put to work to aid their reelection include:1. Professional staffs. Members have large administrative staffs both in Washington, D.C., and in their home districts.2. Lawmaking power. Members can back legislation that will benefit their states or districts and then campaign on that legislative record in the next election.3. Access to the media. Because they are elected officials, members have many opportunities to stage events for the press and thereby obtain free publicity.4. Name recognition. Incumbent members are usually far better known to the voters than challengers are.