Presidential Elections: Strategies and Structures of American Politics (Paperback)

~ (Author), Aaron Wildavsky (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Brimming with data and examples from the tumultuous 2000 election and laced with previews of 2004, the eleventh edition of this classic text offers a complete overview of the presidential election process from the earliest straw polls and fundraisers to final voter turnout and exit interviews. The comprehensive coverage includes campaign strategy, the sequence of electoral events, and the issues, all from the perspective of the various actors in the election process: voters, interest groups, political parties, the media, and the candidates themselves. Visit our website for sample chapters! --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Nelson W. Polsby is the Heller Professor of Political Science and past director of the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC-Berkeley. He is vice president of the Political Studies Association of the UK, a member of the Academic Advisory Board of AEI, and a former Brookings and Guggenheim Fellow. He is editor of the Annual Review of Political Science. His books include How Congress Evolves (2003); New Federalist Papers (with Alan Brinkley and Kathleen M. Sullivan, 1997); Media and Momentum (editor with Gary R. Orren, 1987); Congress and the Presidency (1986); and Consequences of Party Reform (1983). Aaron Wildavsky was, at the time of his death, Class of 1940 Professor of Political Science and Public Policy at UC-Berkeley, and founding dean of Berkeley's Graduate School of Public Policy. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 358 pages
• Publisher: Chatham House Publishers; 9th edition (November 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566430291
• ISBN-13: 978-1566430296
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,350,322 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for one interested in presidential elections!, March 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Presidential Elections: Strategies and Structures of American Politics (Paperback)

Polsby's Presidential Elections offers a clear and cogent account of the presidential election process including the strategic incentives facing: voters, parties, interest groups, candidates, and the press. He debunks myths propounded by the popular press on why Americans don't vote (we're so mobile, not we're alienated), analyzes the differing strategic positions faced by the major parties, and shows how the news media has evolved into a crucially important interest group, with its own interests. The book is easily accessible to those who have no formal training in political science, while it offers new insights for serious students. In sum, Polsby's book should appeal to anyone who wants to understand why presidential elections operate the way they do.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A detailed look into the current democratic system, September 13, 2000

By	Jennifer Dunn "dunn7" (Fairborn, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

The book is very detailed and informative in the election process. The book covers everything from the primaries to push polling as well as finacing and campaign reform. The book walks you through the political process starting with the time before the primaries and ends with the rap up of the election.If you are just entering the world of politics or you would like to know excatly where your votes goes, this is a great book for you. It is easy to read and goes into great lenght on the presidential elction process. I read this book when I began my study of political science and I would recomend it as a stepping stone into politics. It is a must have for any political junkie or the average person that would like to get involved in politics.

4.0 out of 5 stars Studying the Presidency, February 3, 2009

By	MU Tiger Fan (Columbia, MO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Presidential Elections: Strategies and Structures of American Politics (Paperback)

I ordered this book because it was the required text for an adult education course in which I enrolled. One day after I placed the order
(and it was on its way to me), the class was cancelled for lack of
enrollment. Thus, the book suddenly had no IMMEDIATE value for me.
I've kept it, however, for possible later reference.