Final answer:
The coattail effect is true and refers to the influence a popular candidate at the top of the ticket can have on the success of other party candidates in an election, especially during presidential election years.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement about the coattail effect in political campaigns is True. During presidential elections, strong candidates at the top of the ballot can boost the success of other candidates in the same party through the coattail effect. This phenomenon occurs when voters, attracted by a popular presidential nominee, cast their votes for other party candidates, raising their chances to win elections. However, the reverse can happen during midterm elections where the president's party might face negative repercussions due to the president's actions or inactions.
In general, coattail effects are more prominent during presidential elections, as the presidential candidate's popularity can greatly influence voter turnout and preferences down-ballot. Historically, this has both positively and negatively impacted other candidates within the party, depending on the president's approval ratings and the public's perception of the party's performance.