Join City Lit Principal Mark Malcomson to discover why the US Mid-Term elections are among the most dramatic and high-stakes political events -and why they could matter far beyond America’s borders.
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This is the second of two sessions introducing students to the US Mid-Term elections-one of the most significant events in the American political calendar.
This year’s US Mid-Term elections are arguably the most exciting and important in decades. All of the House of Representatives and a third of Senate seats are up for election. The Republicans hold both Houses at the moment by thin margins and the future of President Trump’s legislative agenda is on the line if they lose one or both to the Democrats. How do these elections work; what is at stake; and who the key players are; will be explored.
We will go beyond the headlines to unpack how the electoral system functions, how mid-terms differ from presidential elections, and why they often act as a referendum on the sitting president. We will also consider how deeply polarised American society has become, and how this division shapes political campaigns, media narratives, and voter behaviour.
By grounding our discussion in real-world political tensions and current affairs, this session will equip you to follow unfolding events with increased critical insight.
What will we cover?
In this session, we will explore:
How the US electoral cycle works
Differences between presidential elections and mid-term elections
Why mid-terms often produce surprising results
What is at stake
Control of Congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate
The implications for law-making, budgets, and presidential power
The significance of narrow majorities and political gridlock
Federal vs State politics
Why state-level elections matter just as much as national ones
Key battleground states and regions
Key issues shaping the election
The major political debates driving voters to the polls
The role of the economy, social issues, and foreign policy
Key players to watch
Party leaders, rising political figures, and influential campaign voices
How personalities and media coverage impact outcomes
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Clearly explain how the US Mid-Term elections work and why they are so important
Analyse the political stakes for both major parties
Identify the key issues and debates shaping the election
Understand how polarisation and public opinion influence outcomes
Follow US election coverage with greater confidence and critical awareness
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is designed for anyone with an interest in contemporary US politics, global affairs, or current events. No prior knowledge is required-just curiosity and a willingness to engage with fast-moving, real-world issues.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The session will be delivered as an engaging illustrated lecture, combining visuals, data, and real-world examples.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs. Just bring your curiosity and willingness to engage.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Continue your exploration of these exciting elections with Mark on:
Mark is the Principal of City Lit, having previously been the Director of Executive Education at London Business School and President of the New York Institute of Finance. He teaches American history and politics at City Lit, concentrating on the lives of Presidents, as well as how the US political system and institutions work. He has lived and worked in both New York and Chicago, is married to an American and visits regularly. Mark possesses a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Edinburgh; a Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Strathclyde; and a Masters in International Relations from the University of Kent. Mark was recognised in the 2017 Queen’s New Year’s Honours as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to adult education.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/america-divided-lead-up-to-the-mid-terms-23065710America Divided: Lead up to the Mid-Terms 2https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/u/s/us_election_mid_terms_1.jpg2929GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Global & regional politics/Courses/Online courses/Courses/The US Election22851177167713542173117231228511771677<p>Join City Lit Principal Mark Malcomson to discover why the US Mid-Term elections are among the most dramatic and high-stakes political events -and why they could matter far beyond America’s borders.</p>003065701America Divided: Lead up to the Mid-Terms 22929https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/u/s/us_election_mid_terms_1_1.jpgInStockEveningThuOnlineAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-10-22T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceOct 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC612929America Divided: Lead up to the Mid-Terms 2291929Mark Malcomsonamerica-divided-lead-up-to-the-mid-terms-2/hpc61-2627<p>Join City Lit Principal Mark Malcomson to discover why the US Mid-Term elections are among the most dramatic and high-stakes political events -and why they could matter far beyond America’s borders.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-22 00:00:00<p>This is the second of two sessions introducing students to the US Mid-Term elections-one of the most significant events in the American political calendar.</p><p><strong>This year’s US Mid-Term elections are arguably the most exciting and important in decades. All of the House of Representatives and a third of Senate seats are up for election. The Republicans hold both Houses at the moment by thin margins and the future of President Trump’s legislative agenda is on the line if they lose one or both to the Democrats. How do these elections work; what is at stake; and who the key players are; will be explored.</strong></p><p>We will go beyond the headlines to unpack how the electoral system functions, how mid-terms differ from presidential elections, and why they often act as a referendum on the sitting president. We will also consider how deeply polarised American society has become, and how this division shapes political campaigns, media narratives, and voter behaviour.</p><p>By grounding our discussion in real-world political tensions and current affairs, this session will equip you to follow unfolding events with increased critical insight.</p><p>Join City Lit Principal Mark Malcomson to discover why the US Mid-Term elections are among the most dramatic and high-stakes political events -and why they could matter far beyond America’s borders.</p><p>In this session, we will explore:</p><ul><li><p><strong>How the US electoral cycle works</strong></p><ul><li>Differences between presidential elections and mid-term elections</li><li>Why mid-terms often produce surprising results</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>What is at stake</strong></p><ul><li>Control of Congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate</li><li>The implications for law-making, budgets, and presidential power</li><li>The significance of narrow majorities and political gridlock</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Federal vs State politics</strong></p><ul><li>Why state-level elections matter just as much as national ones</li><li>Key battleground states and regions</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Key issues shaping the election</strong></p><ul><li>The major political debates driving voters to the polls</li><li>The role of the economy, social issues, and foreign policy</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Key players to watch</strong></p><ul><li>Party leaders, rising political figures, and influential campaign voices</li><li>How personalities and media coverage impact outcomes</li></ul></li></ul><ul><li>Clearly explain how the US Mid-Term elections work and why they are so important</li><li>Analyse the political stakes for both major parties</li><li>Identify the key issues and debates shaping the election</li><li>Understand how polarisation and public opinion influence outcomes</li><li>Follow US election coverage with greater confidence and critical awareness</li></ul><p>This course is designed for anyone with an interest in contemporary US politics, global affairs, or current events. No prior knowledge is required-just curiosity and a willingness to engage with fast-moving, real-world issues.</p><p>The session will be delivered as an <strong>engaging illustrated lecture</strong>, combining visuals, data, and real-world examples.</p><p>There are no additional costs. Just bring your curiosity and willingness to engage.</p><p>Continue your exploration of these exciting elections with Mark on:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/us-midterms-results-and-consequences" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>US midterms: results and consequences</strong></a></li></ul><p><strong>You may also be interested in:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/the-history-of-the-fbi-1908-1976" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The History of the FBI 1908-1976</a></li><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/the-united-and-disunited-states-of-america-1776-1865" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The United and Disunited States of America 1776-1865</a></li></ul>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsvirtual292919HPC61NONEThu22/10/2618:30 - 20:3018:3020:301 session1One-off onlyWeekdayOnlineOnlineMark MalcomsonBeginners, Some experienceAvailable courses2026-10-22T00:00:00+00:00EveningOct 2026Culture, history & humanities2929America Divided: Lead up to the Mid-Terms 2america-divided-lead-up-to-the-mid-terms-2/hpc61-2627<p>Join City Lit Principal Mark Malcomson to discover why the US Mid-Term elections are among the most dramatic and high-stakes political events -and why they could matter far beyond America’s borders.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-22 00:00:00<p>This is the second of two sessions introducing students to the US Mid-Term elections-one of the most significant events in the American political calendar.</p><p><strong>This year’s US Mid-Term elections are arguably the most exciting and important in decades. All of the House of Representatives and a third of Senate seats are up for election. The Republicans hold both Houses at the moment by thin margins and the future of President Trump’s legislative agenda is on the line if they lose one or both to the Democrats. How do these elections work; what is at stake; and who the key players are; will be explored.</strong></p><p>We will go beyond the headlines to unpack how the electoral system functions, how mid-terms differ from presidential elections, and why they often act as a referendum on the sitting president. We will also consider how deeply polarised American society has become, and how this division shapes political campaigns, media narratives, and voter behaviour.</p><p>By grounding our discussion in real-world political tensions and current affairs, this session will equip you to follow unfolding events with increased critical insight.</p><p>Join City Lit Principal Mark Malcomson to discover why the US Mid-Term elections are among the most dramatic and high-stakes political events -and why they could matter far beyond America’s borders.</p><p>In this session, we will explore:</p><ul><li><p><strong>How the US electoral cycle works</strong></p><ul><li>Differences between presidential elections and mid-term elections</li><li>Why mid-terms often produce surprising results</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>What is at stake</strong></p><ul><li>Control of Congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate</li><li>The implications for law-making, budgets, and presidential power</li><li>The significance of narrow majorities and political gridlock</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Federal vs State politics</strong></p><ul><li>Why state-level elections matter just as much as national ones</li><li>Key battleground states and regions</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Key issues shaping the election</strong></p><ul><li>The major political debates driving voters to the polls</li><li>The role of the economy, social issues, and foreign policy</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Key players to watch</strong></p><ul><li>Party leaders, rising political figures, and influential campaign voices</li><li>How personalities and media coverage impact outcomes</li></ul></li></ul><ul><li>Clearly explain how the US Mid-Term elections work and why they are so important</li><li>Analyse the political stakes for both major parties</li><li>Identify the key issues and debates shaping the election</li><li>Understand how polarisation and public opinion influence outcomes</li><li>Follow US election coverage with greater confidence and critical awareness</li></ul><p>This course is designed for anyone with an interest in contemporary US politics, global affairs, or current events. No prior knowledge is required-just curiosity and a willingness to engage with fast-moving, real-world issues.</p><p>The session will be delivered as an <strong>engaging illustrated lecture</strong>, combining visuals, data, and real-world examples.</p><p>There are no additional costs. Just bring your curiosity and willingness to engage.</p><p>Continue your exploration of these exciting elections with Mark on:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/us-midterms-results-and-consequences" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>US midterms: results and consequences</strong></a></li></ul><p><strong>You may also be interested in:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/the-history-of-the-fbi-1908-1976" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The History of the FBI 1908-1976</a></li><li><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/the-united-and-disunited-states-of-america-1776-1865" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The United and Disunited States of America 1776-1865</a></li></ul>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsconfigurable
