Initial Post Instructions

For the initial post, respond to one of the following options, and label the beginning of your post indicating either Option 1 or Option 2:

• Option 1:List the ways in which contemporary presidential campaigns have used social media as a campaign tool. Do you consider social media as a successful tool? Explain your answer. Do you see social media as an unsuccessful tool? Explain your answer and provide examples.
• Option 2: There are numerous discussions involving the Electoral College. There are some people that want to abolish the electoral college while others want to keep it. What do you think? Keep the electoral college or abolish it? Explain the reasons for your choice.

Be sure to make connections between your ideas and conclusions and the research, concepts, terms, and theory we are discussing this week.

Follow-Up Post Instructions

•    You may choose either Option 1 or 2 for your Follow-Up post.
  •    Respond to at least one peer.
  •    Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification.
  •    Include a minimum of 1 scholarly source meaningfully to demonstrate much depth. A scholarly source can include your textbook, assigned readings, or additional scholarly research.

Course Outcomes

CO 1: Evaluate the principles of democracy and Federalism.

CO 5: Critically examine evidence to support well-reasoned arguments.

CO 6: Critically analyze the American political environment and issues relating to present day using primary and secondary sources

SOLUTION:

Option 1

Social media has become one of the most significant tools in modern presidential campaigns, enabling candidates to directly engage with voters and shape public opinion in real time. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram provide campaigns with cost-effective ways to connect with millions, create targeted advertisements, and control their narrative. For instance, Barack Obama’s campaign in 2008 was a turning point in political strategy, as his team used social media to mobilize younger voters and establish a grassroots movement (Hendricks & Schill, 2017). More recently, candidates have expanded their presence to platforms like TikTok to reach even younger demographics.

One key advantage of social media is its ability to amplify messages quickly and efficiently. Through live streams, posts, and ads, campaigns can engage directly with voters and respond to breaking news faster than ever before. During the 2020 election, for example, Joe Biden’s team used Facebook ads to target specific voter groups based on their demographics, tailoring messages to address their unique concerns (Howard, 2020). This precision targeting helps campaigns focus their resources effectively while ensuring their messages resonate with the right audiences.

However, the rise of social media also brings significant challenges. A major issue is the unchecked spread of misinformation. In the 2016 election, false news stories often gained more traction on platforms.…………….KINDLY CLICK ON THE PURCHASE LINK BELOW TO ACCESS THE ENTIRE SOLUTION FOR $8 OR CONTACT US VIA WHATSAPP NUMBER +254721652000