Chapter Overview

Elections in America

• What functions do elections serve in the political process?
• What different types of elections are held in the United States? What rules determine who wins elections?
• How does the government determine the boundaries of electoral districts?
• How is the ballot determined?

Election Campaigns

• What are the steps in a successful election campaign?

Presidential Elections

• How is the president elected?
• What factors have the greatest impact on a general election campaign?

The 2000 Elections

Money and Politics

• How do candidates raise and spend campaign funds? How does the government regulate campaign spending?
• How does money affect how certain social groups achieve electoral success?

How Voters Decide

• What are the primary influences on voters’ decisions?