Conventional Wisdom and American Elections Exploding Myths, Exploring Misconceptions debunks many common myths that have arisen about the electoral process in the past few decades. Topics include campaign finance, political participation and voting, the role of campaigns, internet campaigning, negative campaigning, political parties, and the role the media plays in the electoral process. Each chapter offers comprehensive coverage of the subject matter, and is written in a manner that is accessible to undergraduate students.

This series helps readers gain an awareness of current issues and develop critical thinking skills by presenting a wealth of information on contemporary issues in a colorful, easy-to-read format.; This title explores whether the election process is fair and inclusive, how money affect the election process, how can the election process be improved?; In addition to pro/con articles, each Introducing Issues with Opposing Viewpoints volume includes appealing features designed to help students understand the complexities of current issues:

The first elections reference specifically created to support students and teachers in U.S. government coursesnbsp; Student&BAD:rsquo;s Guide to Elections is an informative and engaging reference tool for young researchers seeking information on voting, the electoral process, and the history of U.S. elections. It offers accessible access to the key topics in high school U.S. government and U.S. history curricula. A comprehensive, single-volume resource, it features essays, encyclopedic entries, and primary source documents, to help students understand the history and significance of the U.S. electoral process.

Analysts and pundits increasingly perceive a widening gulf between "red states" and "blue states." Yet the research to support that perception is scattered and sometimes difficult to parse. America's polarized politics, it is said, poses fundamental dangers for democratic and accountable government. Heightened partisanship is thought to degrade deliberation in Congress and threaten the integrity of other institutions, from the courts to the media. But, how deep do the country's political divisions actually run? Are they truly wreaking havoc upon the social fabric?

To many, bipartisanship is a fundamental aspect of American democracy: it is designed to allow voters of differing political beliefs to find a political party that most closely conforms to their values. However, in a 2015 poll, 43 percent of Americans identified with neither party, preferring to be politically independent. Is the two-party system essential to American politics? What part does it play in our electoral and political systems? Growing concerns about political polarization and bipartisanship's role in it have also come to light. This volume explores the various perspectives about the future of American democracy.

The New York Times-bestselling manifesto about America's broken political system and how it got that way. Written by a refreshingly skeptical insider, The Party Is Over is an electrifying manifesto for the growing number of Americans who are appalled by our politicians and fed up with their pandering to corporate interests. Wry, trenchant, and highly persuasive, Lofgren offers clear suggestions for how to break through the gridlock and reverse political dysfunction in Washington.