Rethinking American Electoral Democracy

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 the thoroughly revised third edition of 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 the number of elections we hold and the use of nonpartisan elections, to the presidential nominating process and campaign finance laws. Ultimately, Streb argues for a less burdensome democracy, a democracy in which citizens can participate more easily in transparent, competitive elections.

This book is designed to get students of elections and American political institutions to think critically about what it means to be democratic, and how democratic the United States really is.

Part of the Controversies in Electoral Democracy and Representation series, edited by Matthew J. Streb.

Matthew J. Streb is a Professor in and Chair of the Department of Political Science at Northern Illinois University. His books includeThe New Electoral Politics of Race (University of Alabama); Academic Freedom at the Dawn of a New Century(Stanford University); Running for Judge (NYU); Polls and Politics: The Dilemmas of Democracy (SUNY), andLaw and Election Politics: The Rules of the Game, 2nd edition (Routledge);