Kevin J. Coleman
Analyst in Elections
R. Sam Garrett
Specialist in American National Government
Thomas H. Neale
Specialist American National Government
This report considers contemporary developments in presidential elections. It emphasizes three topics chosen for their recurring importance and notable recent developments: (1) nominating procedures; (2) campaign finance; and (3) the electoral college. The report highlights significant developments in these areas, particularly for the 2008 and 2012 elections. It also provides background information about the presidential election process in general. Other CRS products cited throughout this report provide additional information about the topics introduced here.
As the report notes, 2012 is expected to be a noteworthy election cycle for several reasons. Some are extensions of developments that started in 2008 or before, while others are more recent. Key themes discussed in this report include the following:
•
In recent
years, the two major political parties have made efforts to control the “front-loading”
phenomenon, the tendency for states to vie to be first or among the first
to hold caucuses or primary elections to select presidential nominees. As the
result of inter-party cooperation following the 2008 election, front-loading has
been significantly reduced for 2012.
•
Among
Republicans, the winner-take-all method that had been widely used will be
replaced with a proportional system for contests before April 1, although
strict proportional allocation has not been mandated. With an open race
for the Republican nomination, the pace of primaries and caucuses and the
new allocation rule are likely to have an important, and as yet unknown,
effect.
•
Significant
changes in campaign finance law are expected to shape campaign finance in
the 2012 election cycle, largely as a result of the 2010 Supreme Court decision
in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. In the aftermath of Citizens
United, presidential candidates may face additional pressure to raise funds
to be able to compete against their opponents and outside groups, particularly
new organizations called “super PACs.”
•
One of the
most notable campaign finance developments in recent elections is the decline
of the public financing system for presidential candidates. The program’s future
remains uncertain for 2012, as candidates appear increasingly likely to opt instead
for private fundraising.
•
After
decades of inactivity, proposals to reform the electoral college are undergoing
a revival ahead of the 2012 elections.
•
Various
states have considered or are considering changes to their participation in the
electoral college. Moreover, a nongovernmental organization, the National Popular
Vote (NPV) campaign, has proposed an interstate compact that would achieve
direct election without a constitutional amendment. This report will be
updated periodically throughout the 2012 election cycle.
Date of Report: March 26, 2012
Number of Pages: 55
Order Number: R42139
Price: $29.95
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