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Reelection Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ—ณ๏ธ
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reelection

[riหษชหˆlษ›kสƒษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

political process

Reelection refers to the act of being elected again to a previously held position, most commonly associated with political offices. It occurs after a term has expired and a candidate seeks to regain their position through a new election. The process is often subjected to various campaigns and debates. Reelection can reflect the public's satisfaction with the incumbent's performance or the effectiveness of their policies while in office.

Synonyms

continuation, reappointment, return.

Examples of usage

  • The senator announced his candidacy for reelection.
  • Her successful reelection was celebrated by her supporters.
  • The president is campaigning hard for reelection next year.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The concept of reelection dates back to ancient Greece, where leaders could be chosen for multiple terms.
  • The U.S. Constitution, established in 1787, allows for elected officials in certain positions to run for reelection.

Political Science

  • Incumbents, or those currently in office, have advantages during campaigns such as name recognition and established donor networks.
  • Studies show that more than 90% of incumbents in the U.S. House of Representatives win reelection, reflecting strong voter loyalty.

Pop Culture

  • Reelection campaigns are often featurized in movies and TV shows, highlighting the drama and strategies behind political races.
  • In 2012, the U.S. election saw the term 'reelection' heavily discussed in memes and social media as a way to engage younger voters.

Psychology

  • Voters tend to favor continuity, leading them to stick with familiar candidates during reelection efforts, even if changes are needed.
  • Research indicates that candidate charisma and public perception play significant roles in whether individuals choose reelection.

Legal Framework

  • Most state and federal officials in the U.S. face limitations on how many terms they can serve, with some positions allowing unlimited reelections.
  • Different countries have varying laws about reelection; for example, certain leaders in Latin America face only one term.

Origin of 'reelection'

The term 'reelection' is formed by the prefix 're-', meaning 'again', and the word 'election', which comes from the Latin 'electio', meaning 'to choose'. The concept of reelection has its roots in democratic governance, where officials are periodically chosen through elections to represent the people. Its use dates back to the early days of representative democracy in various countries, particularly in the 19th century. The practice became more formalized with the establishment of regular electoral cycles, allowing incumbents the opportunity to present their record before the electorate. The frequency and nature of reelections can vary significantly based on the political system, with some countries employing fixed terms, while others may allow for more frequent elections based on political conditions. Reelection campaigns often become focal points of political discourse, as candidates argue for their past accomplishments and future plans, aiming to secure the trust of their voters once again.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,500, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.