United States general elections, 1982
Encyclopedia
The 1982 United States midterm election
s were held on November 2. The Democrats gained 27 seats in the United States House of Representatives
, cementing their majority in that chamber. Conversely, the party balance in the United States Senate
remained practically unchanged; the Democrats only gained one seat after a Democratic-leaning Independent left the Senate.
The Democratic election gains were largely due too President Ronald Reagan
's unpopularity as a result of the deepening 1982 recession
which many voters blamed on his economic policies. Others felt his large budget cuts meant he was uncaring or ignorant about the needs of the ordinary American.
Midterm election
Midterm elections in the United States refer to general elections in the United States that are held two years after the quadrennial elections for the President of the United States...
s were held on November 2. The Democrats gained 27 seats in the United States House of Representatives
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
, cementing their majority in that chamber. Conversely, the party balance in the United States Senate
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
remained practically unchanged; the Democrats only gained one seat after a Democratic-leaning Independent left the Senate.
The Democratic election gains were largely due too President Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States , the 33rd Governor of California and, prior to that, a radio, film and television actor....
's unpopularity as a result of the deepening 1982 recession
Early 1980s recession in the United States
The United States entered recession in January 1980 and exited six months later, in July 1980. Although recovery took hold, the unemployment rate remained unchanged through the start of a second recession in July 1981. The downturn ended sixteen months later, in November 1982...
which many voters blamed on his economic policies. Others felt his large budget cuts meant he was uncaring or ignorant about the needs of the ordinary American.
See also
- United States House of Representatives elections, 1982
- United States Senate election, 1982
- United States gubernatorial elections, 1982United States gubernatorial elections, 1982The United States gubernatorial elections of 1982 were held on November 2, 1982 in thirty-six states. The Democratic party had a net gain of seven seats during the mid-term election of Ronald Reagan's first term. This election coincided with the Senate and the House elections.-Election results:A...