Studies in several relatively low-population, rural states in the 1970s show few differences in the types of state legislative races in which men and women are nominated and how well they do at the ballot box. This study increases knowledge of the role of gender in state legislative campaigns, geographically and over time, by exploring the…

A study examined the evaluative structures employed by voters in making decisions about political contenders, specifically as a function of the level of the election involved and the incumbent-challenger status of the candidates. Data were obtained by questionnaires administered within two weeks prior to the 1984 general election to 550…

Drawing from political science, sociology, and communication literature, this paper provides a review of research dealing with political candidate image to show the various ways this concept has been treated by scholars. The paper begins with an examination of the rationales offered by researchers for the study of image, then addresses the…

This report of a study investigating the advertising strategies of various senatorial candidates and their results presents a trend analysis of GOP Senatorial advertisements aired on television throughout the United States during the 1984 national election campaign. One hundred and one campaign spots from all geographic regions were examined in…

Televised political debate has become an expected element in most political races for public office: as important as door-to-door campaigning, as crucial as purchased media time, as strategized an element as scheduling press conferences. In order to address candidates' opinions of local televised debates, who should participate in them, and what…

Despite gains in recent years, women still win political office much less frequently than men do. One reason might be that women may not receive the same response from the media as do their male counterparts. The research study explored this possibility by investigating: (1) differences in the methods used by the mass media to portray male and…

A study examined newsmagazines' visual coverage of the 1988 election to determine if patterns of difference in the visual presentation of candidates existed. A content analysis examined all the visuals (photographs and illustrations) of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates printed in three national weekly newsmagazines--"U.S.…

Investigates the hypotheses that (1) voters define the personal images of political candidates in behavioral terms, and (2) such behavioral images are predictive of preferences for those candidates. Results provide strong support for both positions. (RAE)

The 1988 presidential election should be an important occasion for asking the political candidates questions regarding their interpretations of the Constitution, grasp of economics, effectiveness as politicians, leadership style, intellectual curiosity, understanding of differing aspirations Americans have for the nation, and views on the…

Television debates provide a powerful stimulus for speech communication classes as students focus on the effectiveness of debate in the political forum. This report reviews ERIC documents on the nature, quality, and format of television debates. (PD)

This paper is an analysis of how competitive debate organizations have solved many of the criticisms that have been leveled at political and (specifically) presidential debating and, thus, provides models that presidential debates can be patterned after to improve the quality of the debating that is taking place in the political realm. The paper's…

These C-SPAN lesson plans focus on U.S. presidential campaign 2000 events. The six lesson plans are titled, as follows: (1) "Campaign Overview"; (2) "Campaign Kickoffs"; (3) "Primary Caucuses"; (4) "National Conventions"; (5) "General Election: Presidential Debates"; and (6) "General Election:…

A shrinking number of Americans are interested in politics?a trend pronounced among younger citizens. Politicians, academics, civic leaders and others are scrambling to find solutions. This study was commissioned by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) and focuses on local political parties.…

Explores the consequences of using "masculine" versus "feminine" strategies in political commercials for female candidates. Reports that the "aggressive" strategy worked better than the "non-aggressive" strategy, and that the "career" strategy worked better than the "family" strategy. (MM)

Advocates a schoolwide, mock nominating convention as an effective learning experience for high school students, particularly in election years. Presents step-by-step plans for organizing and carrying out such a convention. (SR)