U.S. Elections
U.S. Elections
Free and fair elections are the keystone of any democracy. They are essential for the peaceful transfer of power.
When voters elect representatives, they elect the leaders who will shape the future of their society. This is why elections empower ordinary citizens: They allow them to influence the future policies of their government, and thus, their own future.
The United States has been a representative democracy since the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1788—although the electoral tradition began during the colonial era and had its roots in British history. This book discusses the nature of the modern American electoral process and how it works at the federal, state, and local levels. The process, complicated and sometimes confusing, has evolved to ensure universal suffrage to all men and women who are U.S. citizens 18 years of age or older.
- Federal Election Commission Regulates Presidential Campaigns
- Financing Campaigns
- Economic Issues in the 2012 Election
- The Process of Electing the President of the United States: Role of Caucuses, Primaries and National Conventions (Video + transcript)
- The Role of Political Parties
- Political Party Conventions
- 2012 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION
- 2012 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
Publications:
- More Than Elections: How Democracies Transfer Power
- USA Elections in Brief (PDF, 3.8Mb)
- Youth Votes! The 2012 U.S. Elections eJournal USA, August 2012
- U.S. Elections: Frequently Asked Questions
- Glossary of U.S. Election Terms
Articles:
- In 2012: What’s at Stake? Why Bother to Vote?
- Romney Picks Fiscal Conservative Paul Ryan as Running Mate
- In U.S. Elections, “Swing State” Voters Get the Most Attention
- Election Officer Training Ensures Fairness at U.S. Polls
- Visiting Journalists Learn About U.S. Political Process
- American Electorate Has New Face for 2012 Race
- U.S. Political Parties: An Ongoing Evolution
- U.S. Elections: 2012 Primary Schedule
- Glossary of U.S. Election Terms
- Presidential Candidates Step Up Campaigns in Critical States
- Law on Political Activity Restricts, Protects Federal Workers
- U.S. State, Local Elections Important Despite Low Turnout
- How Raucous Is The Caucus?
- How the U.S. Decided When to Vote (In Brief)
- U.S. Federal Offices: Who Can Serve in Washington?
- Federal Election Commission Regulates Presidential Campaigns
- Road to White House Is Paved with Delegates
- 2012 U.S. Elections the First Influenced by “Super PACs”
- Road to the White House Is Paved with Delegates
- U.S. Federal Offices: Who Can Serve in Washington? (resource file)
- Federal Election Commission Regulates Presidential Campaigns