This book gives a thorough account of the electoral process at all levels and in all branches of American government. The book is particularly effective in placing current issues in the American political arena in context, illustrated with much needed and otherwise difficult to find information. In addition to a thorough coverage of recent elections the book gives substantial account to other important related themes. An examination of the historical development of political campaigning over 200 years leads into a study of the genealogy and current status of America's political parties.