Distinguish between open and closed primaries and explain the advantages of
each. (15)
A presidential primary is an election to select a party’s candidate for the
presidency their functions are to show the popularity of presidential candidates
and to choose delegates to go to National party Conventions.
A closed primary is an election where only registered democrats can vote in the
democratic primary and only registered republicans can vote in the republican
primary, in a closed primary independents cannot vote. Thirteen states hold
closed primaries, including, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania hold closed
primaries, and other states don’t bother establishing party affiliation.
An advantage of closed primaries is that it promotes party unity by having only
members of for example the republicans coming together to vote for a republican
candidate.
Another advantage is that closed primaries keep those who are supporters of the
opposing party from influencing its choice, and prevents crossover voting when
members of the rival parties deliberately vote for the weakest candidate in the
opposition’s primary.
An open primary is a primary election where any registered voter can vote in
either primary, however not both primaries, you have to decide on the day. Open
primaries allow for cross over voting so a for example a democrat or an
independent can opt to participate in the republican primaries and vice versa.
The majority of the states use open primaries.
An advantage of an open primary is that it reduces the influence of the extremists
of either party, forcing candidates to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters rather
than just extreme activists.
Another advantage is that it allows people who are sitting on the fence and not
party affiliated to vote and have a say as apposed to closed primaries where you
have to be a me a member, this is more democratic.
Another advantage is that it is more representative of the majority of the people
who are in the middle and can not decide which party to vote for, often voting for
different parties every 4 years.
each. (15)
A presidential primary is an election to select a party’s candidate for the
presidency their functions are to show the popularity of presidential candidates
and to choose delegates to go to National party Conventions.
A closed primary is an election where only registered democrats can vote in the
democratic primary and only registered republicans can vote in the republican
primary, in a closed primary independents cannot vote. Thirteen states hold
closed primaries, including, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania hold closed
primaries, and other states don’t bother establishing party affiliation.
An advantage of closed primaries is that it promotes party unity by having only
members of for example the republicans coming together to vote for a republican
candidate.
Another advantage is that closed primaries keep those who are supporters of the
opposing party from influencing its choice, and prevents crossover voting when
members of the rival parties deliberately vote for the weakest candidate in the
opposition’s primary.
An open primary is a primary election where any registered voter can vote in
either primary, however not both primaries, you have to decide on the day. Open
primaries allow for cross over voting so a for example a democrat or an
independent can opt to participate in the republican primaries and vice versa.
The majority of the states use open primaries.
An advantage of an open primary is that it reduces the influence of the extremists
of either party, forcing candidates to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters rather
than just extreme activists.
Another advantage is that it allows people who are sitting on the fence and not
party affiliated to vote and have a say as apposed to closed primaries where you
have to be a me a member, this is more democratic.
Another advantage is that it is more representative of the majority of the people
who are in the middle and can not decide which party to vote for, often voting for
different parties every 4 years.
