The upcoming November polls will command attention not just within the United States, but globally as well. The next leader of this global power will be decided at these elections, shaping the course of America in critical ways. Not only is the presidential seat up for contention, but they will also determine the composition of Congress, which significantly influences the legislative landscape of the country.
The next presidential election is set to occur on Tuesday, 5th of November, 2024, a day that is sure to be on everyone’s calendar. The elected president will commence their four-year term starting January 2025, steering the nation’s course during this period. Though the president has the authority to pass certain legislations independently, he primarily needs to join hands with the Congress to formulate and implement new laws.
The U.S presidency carries considerable weight in terms of representing the nation at an international level. The person at the helm has the power to drive the country’s foreign policies, shaping how the USA interacts with the rest of the world. Therefore, the upcoming election does not just impact Americans but holds significance at a global scale.
The deciding factor for the presidential candidates is an array of state primaries and caucuses. Voters from the two leading parties, Republican and Democrat, cast their vote for who they believe should stand for the general election. In this critical process, candidate selection is done purely based on the will of the people.
In a reassuring show of faith and solidarity, the Republicans rallied strongly behind the Former President Donald Trump, leading him to secure a substantial victory over his party rivals. The official announcement came during a convention held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, reinforcing the party’s faith in Trump’s leadership qualities and direction of the party.
On the Democrats’ side, Vice-President Kamala Harris emerged as the official nominee. This nomination was made at a convention in Chicago. Joe Biden, the previous president, had opted to step down, leaving space for Harris. Despite these changes, the Republican party maintains its morale and consistency, emphasizing the steady nature of their leadership.
It’s important to mention independent candidates as well, who put themselves in the running for the presidency. One of these, Robert F Kennedy Jr, a nephew of former President J.F Kennedy, has announced his endorsement of Trump, turning a potential rival into a supporter of the Republican cause.
The ideological difference between the two parties is stark. Democrats, the liberal party, promote civil rights, a widespread social safety net, and climate change initiatives; policies that have garnered criticism for being overly idealistic and unpractical. Republicans, also known as the Grand Old Party or GOP, champion reduced taxes, a leaner government, gun rights, and stricter regulations on immigration and abortion.
The US presidential election operates in a unique way. The candidate who amasses the most overall votes does not necessarily secure the presidency. Instead, candidates contest across the 50 states to win electoral college votes, which are apportioned based on the state’s population. The first to reach or surpass 270 out of the total 538 electoral votes wins the presidency.
The electoral system places significant emphasis on the so-called swing states. These states could lean either Democrat or Republican, and hence, become key battlegrounds during the election. Despite having most national votes, a candidate can lose the election if they fail in the electoral college race, a fate Hillary Clinton met in 2016.
The focus might be on the presidential race, but voters will also decide the new members of Congress. The 435-seat House of Representatives and 34 Senate seats will be contested. The current House is under Republican control, stressing fiscal prudency while the Senate, led by Democrats, has been more liberal with government appointments. These two chambers facilitate law-making and can check and balance the President’s powers.
The end of the election doesn’t immediately reveal the winner. Because it takes a few days to count all the votes, as evidenced by the 2020 elections. The subsequent period is considered a transitional phase, especially if there’s a change in power. It allows time for the incoming administration to prepare for their term, paving the way for a smooth inauguration in January.
The privilege of voting and deciding the leader of the nation is exclusive to US citizens who are 18 years old or over. The presidential election, an event held every four years, constitutes the bedrock of American democracy and significantly shapes the path of the nation.