This book covers all elements of parties and the electoral process, including local, state, and national party organizations; American party history and party systems; state and local nominations; state and local elections; presidential nominations; and presidential elections. Separate chapters are devoted to the important subjects of the media in the electoral process and campaign finance. The role of political parties in representative democracyand their contributions to itare examined critically. This post-election update includes complete data from 2008 and a fully up-to-date chapter on campaign finance.