Summary: Key topics are addressed through a series of timed lessons, each lasting at least 1 hour. The teacher notes establish the aims and descirbe the process of the lesson. They also identlfy the materials for students, which take the form of photocopiable information sheets and extracts from Politics Review. The lessons conclude with extension work for developing knowledge and exam skills, together with answer notes.
Table of Contents: IntroductionElections and votingFederal elections and their characteristicsThe franchise: who can vote?Turnout and non-votingPresidential elections: the ‘invisible primary’Presidential elections: primaries and caucuses (1)Presidential elections: primaries and caucuses (2)Presidential elections: the national party conventionsPresidential elections: choosing a ‘running mate’Partisanship: genderPartisanship: income and regionDealignment and split-ticket votingThe nature of public opinionPresidential elections: campaign issuesPresidential elections: the role of the media and televised debatesThe role of finance and campaign finance reformPresidential elections: the Electoral CollegeCongressional electionsInitiatives and propositionsPolitical partiesThe parties as coalitionsIdeologies and organisationThe minor partiesBarriers facing minor partiesA two-party system?The party decline thesisThe party renewal thesisAssessing the partiesPressure groupsTypes of pressure groupTactics and methodsThe role and significance of political action committeesThe impact of pressure groupsConstraints on pressure group influencePressure groups and democracyRacial and ethnic politicsA diverse societyMinority politicsGroups and issues
About the Author(s): Edward Ashbee is an associate professor in the Center for the Study of the Americas at Copenhagen Business School. His publications inlcude studies of political parties and electoral trends as weel as US Politics Today (Manchester University Press). He is a regular contributor to Politics Review.
