Midterms are examinations that typically occur halfway through an academic term, often in high school or college. They assess students' understanding of the material covered in the first half of the course and can significantly impact their overall grades. Midterms can take various forms, including multiple-choice questions, essays, or practical assessments. In the context of U.S. politics, midterms refer to the elections held halfway through a president's four-year term. During these elections, voters choose members of Congress, including all House of Representatives seats and one-third of the Senate. Midterm elections can influence the balance of power in the government and often reflect public opinion on the sitting president's performance.