What term describes congressional elections held in the even-numbered years between presidential elections?

• A. Midterm elections
• B. Primary elections
• C. General elections
• D. Special elections

Answer: (A)

Midterm elections describe congressional contests that take place in the years between presidential races. Since the presidency is decided every four years and the House is elected every two years (with the Senate’s seats staggered), the non-presidential, even-numbered years—like 2010, 2014, or 2018—are when these elections occur. They don’t feature a presidential contest, which is why they’re termed midterm. These elections often act as a barometer of public opinion about the sitting president and the president’s party, and historically the president’s party tends to lose seats in midterms. They are distinct from general elections that occur in presidential years (when both presidency and many congressional seats are up), primary elections (which determine party nominees), and special elections (to fill vacancies outside the regular schedule).