Rethinking American Electoral Democracy

Cover -- Title -- Copyright -- Contents -- Preface -- Acknowledgments -- 1 Creating a Model Electoral Democracy -- PART I Rethinking the Costs of Voting -- 2 Factors that Influence Voter Turnout -- 3 The Offices We Elect -- 4 Direct Democracy -- PART II Rethinking the Mechanics of Voting -- 5 Ballot Laws -- 6 Voting Machines -- PART III Rethinking National Elections -- 7 The Redistricting Process -- 8 Presidential Primaries -- 9 The Electoral College -- 10 Campaign Finance -- 11 Conclusion: Moving Toward a Model Electoral Democracy -- Bibliography -- Court Cases -- Index.

While frustration with various aspects of American democracy abound in the United States, there is little agreement over-or even understanding of-what kinds of changes would make the system more effective and increase political participation. Matthew J. Streb sheds much needed light on all the major concerns of the electoral process in this timely book on improving American electoral democracy. This critical examination of the rules and institutional arrangements that shape the American electoral process analyzes the major debates that embroil scholars and reformers on subjects ranging from th