How Congressional Elections Work and Why Incumbents Win

CrashCourse

This educational video from Crash Course Government and Politics provides a fast-paced, comprehensive overview of how United States Congressional elections operate. Host Craig Benzine breaks down the constitutional requirements for House and Senate elections, the differences between the two chambers, and the significant role that state laws play in determining election mechanics. The video moves beyond basic civics to explore the political realities of running for office, including the immense cost of campaigns and the structural advantages that incumbents hold over challengers. A major focus of the video is the concept of "Incumbency Advantage," explaining statistically and practically why sitting members of Congress are re-elected at such high rates (around 90% for the House). It introduces key political science concepts like the "Franking Privilege," "Casework," and "Pork Barrel" spending, illustrating how these tools help politicians maintain their seats. The visual "Thought Bubble" segment vividly animates these concepts, making abstract political strategies concrete for students. The video concludes by introducing political scientist David Mayhew's theory of "The Electoral Connection," which posits that members of Congress are primarily motivated by the desire to get re-elected. It categorizes congressional behavior into three main activities: Advertising, Credit Claiming, and Position Taking. This framework provides teachers with a powerful analytical lens for students to decode current political news, helping them understand that legislative actions are often strategic moves designed to appeal to voters.