American Political Parties and Elections

A Very Short Introduction

L. Sandy Maisel

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English

Oxford University Press
20 October 2022

Politics & government; Elections & referenda; Political parties

Series: Very Short Introductions

Few Americans and even fewer citizens of other nations understand the electoral process in the United States. Still fewer understand the role played by political parties in the electoral process or the ironies within the system. Participation in elections in the United States is much lower than in the vast majority of mature democracies. Perhaps this is because of the lack of competition in a country where only two parties have a true chance of winning, despite the fact that a large number of citizens claim allegiance to neither and think badly of both. Or perhaps it is because in the U.S. campaign contributions disproportionately favor incumbents in most legislative elections, or that largely unregulated groups such as the now notorious 527 organizations have as much impact on the outcome of a campaign as do the parties or the candidates' campaigns. For instance, in two of the last six presidential elections, the winner of the popular vote lost the election in the Electoral College; in two others, a change of fewer than 100,000 votes in selected states would have led to the same result. These factors offer a very clear picture of the problems that underlie our much trumpeted electoral system.

The third edition of this Very Short Introduction analyzes these issues and more. Accounting for changes in electoral coalitions and the extent to which the American electorate is polarized in the

wake of Donald Trump, L. Sandy Maisel explains how the system actually works while shining a light on some of its flaws. He also looks closely at turnout questions; efforts both to ease access to the ballot in some states and to restrict access in others; and the role of social media in campaign strategy.

By: L. Sandy Maisel
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United States
Edition: 3rd Revised edition
Dimensions: Height: 113mm, Width: 173mm, Spine: 13mm
Weight: 174g
ISBN: 9780197605110
ISBN 10: 0197605117
Series: Very Short Introductions
Pages: 208
Publication Date: 20 October 2022
Audience: College/higher education , General/trade , A / AS level , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

L. Sandy Maisel is the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Government at Colby College. From 2003 to 2012, he was Director of the Goldfarb Center of Public Affairs and Civic Engagement at Colby College. A former candidate for Congress, Maisel is the author or editor of 15 books on political parties and elections, including including Parties and Elections in America: The Electoral Process, Two Parties or More? and The Parties Respond: Changes in American Parties and Campaigns. He is also a frequent commentator on contemporary politics.

Reviews for American Political Parties and Elections: A Very Short Introduction

"It concentrates on the electoral system, presidential nominations, elections, criticisms of the system, and proposals for reform. It is a well-written, thorough synopsis of what is known about these topics and includes a useful list of sources for additional reading. * A. D. McNitt, CHOICE * ...the section in this book about the Electoral College should be required reading for all citizens."" - Ray Smock, Director of the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education"