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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 527s have as much impact on the outcome of a campaign as do the parties or the candidates' campaign organizations. Studying these factors, you begin to get a very clear picture indeed of the problems that underlay our much trumpeted electoral system.This Very Short Introduction introduces the reader to these issues and more, providing an insider's view of how the system actually works while shining a light on some of its flaws. As we enter what is sure to be yet another highly contested election year, it is more important than ever that Americans take the time to learn the system that puts so many in power.About the Series:Oxford's Very Short Introductions series offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects--from Islam to Sociology, Politics to Classics, Literary Theory to History, and Archaeology to the Bible. Not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume in this series provides trenchant and provocative--yet always balanced and complete--discussions of the central issues in a given discipline or field. Every Very Short Introduction gives a readable evolution of the subject in question, demonstrating how the subject has developed and how it has influenced society. Eventually, the series will encompass every major academic discipline, offering all students an accessible and abundant reference library. Whatever the area of study that one deems important or appealing, whatever the topic that fascinates the general reader, the Very Short Introductions series has a handy and affordable guide that will likely prove indispensable.
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Oxford University Press; 1 edition (August 10, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0195301226
ISBN-13: 978-0195301229
Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 0.7 x 4.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #420,801 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #401 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > Elections & Political Process > Political Parties #579 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > Elections & Political Process > Elections #607 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > Elections & Political Process > General
This book is a great example of what the VSI series should (and often does) achieve. It provides a thorough introduction to the topic that somehow combines incredibly mastery of detail with lively writing. The reader comes away with a solid grasp of the subject. As a professional political scientist who read this as a possible classroom textbook, I can attest that the information is of top quality. I'm enough of an academic that I always worry with well-written books if I'm really getting an accurate grounding in the subject, or if it is instead readable but superficial or misleading. No worries in this case. Maisel does it right. Non-American readers might detect a tinge (or more) of patriotism shining through, and sometimes the book seems pitched too clearly to Americans. I often thought I heard Maisel's voice lecturing his undergraduates when I read the book (not a bad thing in itself, I'm sure his lectures are fantastic). This is really a minor point though and, after all, we academics can never bring ourselves to write ONLY positive things in a review. All in all, this book more than delivers what it promises: an excellent, thorough, information-packed, and readable overview. Sandy Maisel was surely the right person to ask to write the book.
Very good intro/overview about the workings of our political parties and suggestions for improvements. Electoral College section was interesting and helped me understand this mysterious entity.
Easy to read and understand. In a concise format.
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