What is a mid-term election?

A mid-term election refers specifically to the elections that occur two years into a president's four-year term. During these elections, members of the U.S. Congress, including all 435 members of the House of Representatives and approximately one-third of the 100 Senate seats, are up for election. This cycle provides voters an opportunity to express their opinions on the sitting president's performance, which can lead to significant shifts in congressional control based on public sentiment.

The significance of mid-term elections lies in their ability to affect the legislative agenda. For instance, if the president's party loses a substantial number of seats, it may become more challenging to pass legislation, as the opposition party gains more influence. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "mid-term loss" or "mid-term effect," which suggests that the incumbent party typically loses seats in Congress during these elections.

Other options do not accurately define mid-term elections. For instance, an election for president happens during presidential election years, while primary elections occur for party nominees. Special elections are distinct events aimed at filling vacancies rather than regular cycles for congressional seats.