In which electoral system does a candidate receive all delegates or electoral votes upon achieving a majority?

Prepare for the AP Government and Politics exam focusing on Elections and Campaigns. Dive into detailed flashcards and multiple choice questions with explanations. Boost your readiness and score!

In a winner-take-all electoral system, the candidate who receives a majority of the votes in a given area—such as a state or district—automatically receives all the delegates or electoral votes associated with that area. This means that even a slight majority can result in a total win, where the other candidates receive none of the electoral rewards from that jurisdiction.

This system is commonly used in the United States presidential primaries and the Electoral College, where the winner of a state's popular vote secures all of its electoral votes (with the exception of Maine and Nebraska, which use a different method). The emphasis on majority acquisition solidifies the power of larger parties and candidates, making it challenging for smaller or third-party candidates to gain traction. Overall, the winner-take-all approach creates a more decisive outcome in elections and incentivizes candidates to focus on accumulating majority support within specified voting areas.

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