Politics class: How close is the US presidential election race?

This article picked by a teacher with suggested questions is part of the Financial Times free schools access programme. Details/registration here.

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Specification:

• Edexcel Component 3, Section 5.1.1: Presidential elections and their significance

• AQA Component 3.2, Section 3.2.1.5: The electoral process and direct democracy

Background: what you need to know

The article reviews the state of the US presidential election race, two months before voting takes place. It notes that Kamala Harris is marginally ahead of Donald Trump in most national opinion polls. However, the result depends heavily on the outcome in seven ‘swing’ or ‘battleground’ states which have disproportionate weight in the electoral college.

On the key issues in the election, the rival candidates have similar ratings on the economy. Trump is ahead in the battleground states on immigration whereas Harris leads on abortion. The article also covers the issue of campaign finance. Harris is well ahead of Trump in raising funds to spend on political advertising. Make sure that you understand the reference here to ‘super Pacs’ or super political action committees.

Click the link below to read the article and then answer the questions:

How close is the US presidential election race?

Question in the style of AQA Politics Paper 2

• Explain and analyse three factors that influence the outcome of US presidential elections. [9 marks]

Question in the style of Edexcel Politics Paper 3A

• Evaluate the view that the system for electing the US president is not a fully democratic process.

  You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way. [30 marks]

  TIP: Although the article focuses on the 2024 presidential race, as you would expect, you should illustrate your answer with reference to other recent election contests.

Graham Goodlad, Portsmouth High School