Elections A to Z

Elections A to Z provides readers with the information they need to understand how campaigns and elections are conducted in the United States and how voters, candidates, political parties and others participate in the electoral process. This thoroughly revised and updated 3rd edition features a new user friendly design that engages readers with Closer Look sidebars and extensive cross-references. Important new topics covered in this encyclopedic volume include 527 political organizations, the Help America Vote act of 2002, Internet politics, mid-decade redistricting, second midterm elections and women in politics. Historical and contemporary perspectives frame the discussion of the elections process. More than 200 comprehensive entries cover important election-related concepts and definitions; the U.S. electorate, including expansion of the franchise, the right to vote and trends in voter turnout; presidential, congressional and state elections, including historical background, qualifications for office and the primary and general election processes; major and minor political parties; roles and influence of the media, political consultants and special interests; campaign finance and the role of money in elections; and milestones, scandals and landmark cases and legislation in U.S. electoral history. Appendixes offer valuable data on campaigns, party conventions, candidate debates, election results and the demographics of leaders elected to the White House and Congress.