Final answer:
A primary election is held within a party to select a candidate, while a general election is where voters choose among the candidates from different parties. In a primary election, candidates focus on appealing to their own party members, while in a general election, they try to appeal to a broader voter base. The behavior of candidates can change from adopting extreme positions in a primary to more moderate positions in a general election.
Step-by-step explanation:
A primary election is a type of election where each political party selects a candidate to represent them in the general election. The primary election is held within the party and determines who will be the party's nominee. On the other hand, a general election is an election where voters choose from the candidates nominated by the political parties in the primary election. In a general election, candidates from different parties compete against each other.
The behavior of candidates can change depending on whether it's a primary or general election. In a primary election, candidates focus on appealing to the members of their own party. They tend to adopt more extreme positions to appeal to the base of the party. They highlight their party credentials and try to differentiate themselves from other candidates in their party. In a general election, candidates need to appeal to a broader voter base, including voters from other parties or independents. They often moderate their positions and try to appeal to a wider range of voters by presenting themselves as more centrist and appealing to common values and issues that resonate with a larger audience.