Encyclopedia of U.S. Campaigns, Elections, and Electoral Behavior

"Overall, a first-rate resource, and yes, pleasantly readable."
—School Library Journal


The Encyclopedia of U.S. Campaigns, Elections, and Electoral Behavior covers virtually everything one would want to know about American political campaigns. With more than 450 entries, these two comprehensive volumes present a significant array topics of campaigns, elections, and electoral behavior. The encyclopedia′s diverse content shows that although the subject matter of campaigns, elections, and electoral behavior is inherently related, each topic has a distinct focus.

Key Features

Presents topics in a straightforward, easy-to-understand manner, intentionally avoiding unnecessary technical languageIncludes entries written by electoral behavior scholars from around the countryFocuses on American campaigns, elections, and electoral behavior but also provides a culturally and politically diverse perspective of American democratic practices and institutionsOffers a rich campaign history by looking at many colorful candidates, corrupt yet intriguing political machines, rapidly changing technologies, campaign organizations, and strategiesProvides a description and scholarly analysis for all presidential elections, including state and general electionsPresents and simplifies complicated election laws that govern federal, state, and local electionsExamines various efforts throughout the decades to reform elections, especially from social upheaval and the resulting political realignmentsIncludes extensive electoral research into the development of political opinions, attitudes, and ideologies in American voters

Key Themes

Ballot Issue CampaignsCampaigns, Elections and the LawCorruption in American Campaigns and ElectionsElectoral Behavior of Various GroupsLocal Campaigns and ElectionsMedia′s Role in American Campaigns and ElectionsPeoplePolitical Parties, Interest Groups, and American Campaigns and ElectionsPolitical Theory and Democratic Elections in AmericaPolls, Public Opinion, and Campaigns and ElectionsPresidential Campaigns and ElectionsReforming American Campaigns and ElectionsRunning Political Campaigns: Management, Organization, and StrategiesSocial and Psychological Dynamics of Electoral BehaviorState and Congressional Campaigns and Elections: History and State Profiles

The Encyclopedia of U.S. Campaigns, Elections, and Electoral Behavior is an especially useful reference, published to coincide with the 2008 presidential election. This informative yet intriguing resource is a welcome addition to any academic or public library.