In the presidential election, Americans choose not only the head of the country: who else

When Americans arrive at polling stations on November 3, their main goal will be to vote in the presidential election. However, United States election day gives citizens the opportunity to express their position on broader issues. Writes about it Share America.

Photo: shutterstock

It will also be necessary to elect leaders at the federal, state and local government levels. Voting will take place as part of a system of electoral initiatives that allows citizens of many states to resolve issues that could affect their daily lives.

More than just a presidential election

In 2020, the US president, 35 members of the Senate and all 435 eligible members of the House of Representatives will be elected at the federal level. Senators carry out their duties for six years, so about one third of a hundred seats are determined by voting in each election cycle. Members of the House of Representatives are elected every two years, in even years.

At the state level, this year 11 governors are elected, as well as more than 5 members of the state legislatures.

“What the president does every day does not affect people's lives to the extent that decisions of local governments and state authorities do,” explains Stella Raus, professor of public administration at the University of Maryland and director of the Center for Democracy and Citizenship. “Most laws are passed at state level.”

That is why state-level elections this year are especially important.

On the subject: 23 million immigrants eligible to vote in the 2020 election: who are they

In addition, newly elected state legislators will redraw the boundaries of constituencies. This important work is carried out every ten years (based on the census, which, in turn, is also carried out once every ten years) and can help one side or another win the election.

“It really matters who controls the state legislature,” said Josh Chafets, a law professor at Cornell University.

Elected state officials are especially important at a time when the political transition in Washington slows down the federal legislative process. “We need to be state-oriented,” says Routh. “They fill the void in decision-making in areas such as immigration.”

Local officials, such as mayors and city council members, receive more votes in the presidential election year, as voter turnout is higher. This is good, because they solve issues that are close to the hearts of voters, for example, on street repairs, improvements in local schools and stimulating the regional economy.

Politics is implemented by citizens

Twenty-four states also allow voters to express their opinion directly through electoral initiatives, without the participation of elected officials. Initiatives gained popularity in 1978 when California voters reduced property taxes under the so-called Proposal 13. Other measures taken in some states tightened arms laws, raised the minimum wage for workers, and created independent commissions to control border changes. constituencies.

According to Rous, the principle of electoral initiatives is to give people more power. But the costs of conducting election campaigns, including legal fees for drafting forms and purchasing advertisements, have become so high that today they are less accessible to individuals.

How will winners manage?

The system of distribution of power between different levels in the United States is based on the Constitution, which shares the powers of states and federal officials, and states share powers with local authorities.

“There are some issues that are best coordinated at the national level,” says Chafets, such as national defense. - There are many other activities that do not imply a unified approach. Theoretically, federalism allows both the first and second. ”

On the subject: On the re-election of Trump, impeachment and Russia: forecast of a political scientist who predicted the outcome of 9 US presidential elections

For example, voters in one state decide whether they want a higher level of service and higher taxes, while voters in another state may choose the opposite.

“Federalism can lead to a conflict between federal and state authorities, but at the same time contribute to a more effective policy,” says Routh. “The separation of powers and constant friction between state and country governments is good.”

“When you go through this whole process, you end up with the best possible,” she concludes.

The names of official candidates for the US presidency from the main parties we will learn in the summer of 2020. The National Convention of Democrats ends July 16, Republicans - August 27. The presidential elections themselves will be held on November 3.

The electoral system in the country is so complicated that even among Americans, not everyone understands it. ForumDaily put the whole process on the shelvesso that Russian-speaking US citizens can also make informed choices.

Read also on ForumDaily:

On the re-election of Trump, impeachment and Russia: forecast of a political scientist who predicted the outcome of 9 US presidential elections

How to have a tasty and cheap lunch in the USA: life hack from a Russian-speaking immigrant

2 years in complete isolation: how the US tried to “master” other planets and why nothing came of it

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.