University of California Davis Candidate Centered Politics Discussion

Write a brief, 1-2 page, double-spaced essay responding to the following prompt:

One of the major developments in American politics was the durable shift of authority away from party organizations. As a result of various progressive era reforms, access to the ballot was no longer decided by party elites, but by primary electorates and the choices of would-be candidates. Was this shift from a party-centered politics to a candidate-centered politics good for democratic representation?

In your answer, be sure to take a strong side, arguing the shift was good for democracy, or bad for democracy (do not say good and bad, pick one!). Papers should be narrow in focus, and should focus on thoroughly explaining (1) change that occurred between these two eras, and why this change produced good or bad effects.

Suggested reading: Carson, Engstrom, and Roberts (2007), “Candidate Quality, Personal Vote, and Incumbency Advantage in Congress,” APSR

Make sure to provide and develop a non-trivial statement of thesis. Essays ought to advance a singular, clear argument, and ought to demonstrate knowledge of the readings.

As always, I am more interested in how well you understand the readings than in whether you agree or disagree with the views expressed therein; an “opinion piece” that deviates from the question can get no higher grade than a D.

Papers should be double-spaced with 1” margins on all sides, 12-point font Times New Roman.

Citations and references to the readings may use any citation style (I suggest Chicago footnotes).

Do not consult any sources outside of the readings for the week. This essay is to be the result of your independent engagement with the readings. If I discover you have consulted or drawn from secondary sources you will receive a zero