A Citizen's Guide to Presidential Nominations

The Competition for Leadership

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, Leadership, Government, Political Parties, Elections
Cover of the book A Citizen's Guide to Presidential Nominations by Wayne P. Steger, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Wayne P. Steger ISBN: 9781134069583
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: April 10, 2015
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Wayne P. Steger
ISBN: 9781134069583
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: April 10, 2015
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Presidential nominations in the United States can sometimes seem like a media circus, over-hyped and overly speculative. Even informed citizens might be tempted to tune them out. Yet understanding the process, one distinct to American politics, is crucial for civic participation. If presidential elections are about who will lead the nation, presidential nominations are about who appears on the ballot. This concise and coherent Citizen’s Guide examines who has power in presidential nominations and how this affects who we as citizens choose to nominate, and ultimately to sit in the Oval Office.

Political scientist Wayne Steger defines the nominating system as a tension between an "insider game" and an "outsider game." He explains how candidates must appeal to a broad spectrum of elected and party officials, political activists, and aligned groups in order to form a winning coalition within their party, which changes over time. Either these party insiders unify early behind a candidate, effectively deciding the nominee before anyone casts a vote, or they are divided and the nomination is determined by citizens voting in the caucuses and primaries. Steger portrays how shifts in party unity and the participation of core party constituencies affect the options presented to voters. Amidst all this, the candidate still matters. Primaries with one strong candidate look much different than those with a field of weaker ones. By clearly addressing the key issues, past and present, of presidential nominations, Steger’s guide will be informative, relevant, and accessible for students and general readers alike.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Presidential nominations in the United States can sometimes seem like a media circus, over-hyped and overly speculative. Even informed citizens might be tempted to tune them out. Yet understanding the process, one distinct to American politics, is crucial for civic participation. If presidential elections are about who will lead the nation, presidential nominations are about who appears on the ballot. This concise and coherent Citizen’s Guide examines who has power in presidential nominations and how this affects who we as citizens choose to nominate, and ultimately to sit in the Oval Office.

Political scientist Wayne Steger defines the nominating system as a tension between an "insider game" and an "outsider game." He explains how candidates must appeal to a broad spectrum of elected and party officials, political activists, and aligned groups in order to form a winning coalition within their party, which changes over time. Either these party insiders unify early behind a candidate, effectively deciding the nominee before anyone casts a vote, or they are divided and the nomination is determined by citizens voting in the caucuses and primaries. Steger portrays how shifts in party unity and the participation of core party constituencies affect the options presented to voters. Amidst all this, the candidate still matters. Primaries with one strong candidate look much different than those with a field of weaker ones. By clearly addressing the key issues, past and present, of presidential nominations, Steger’s guide will be informative, relevant, and accessible for students and general readers alike.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Neoliberalism: National and Regional Experiments with Global Ideas by Wayne P. Steger
Cover of the book Victimhood and Vulnerability in 21st Century Fiction by Wayne P. Steger
Cover of the book Understanding Existentialism by Wayne P. Steger
Cover of the book Family Violence by Wayne P. Steger
Cover of the book The WTO and the Environment by Wayne P. Steger
Cover of the book Post-Traumatic Therapy And Victims Of Violence by Wayne P. Steger
Cover of the book An Introduction to Jacob Boehme by Wayne P. Steger
Cover of the book Chinese Foreign Policy Under Xi by Wayne P. Steger
Cover of the book Queer Criminology by Wayne P. Steger
Cover of the book Carbon Politics and the Failure of the Kyoto Protocol by Wayne P. Steger
Cover of the book The Routledge Companion to Ethics, Politics and Organizations by Wayne P. Steger
Cover of the book Enjoyment of Laughter by Wayne P. Steger
Cover of the book Ashgate Critical Essays on Early English Lexicographers by Wayne P. Steger
Cover of the book An International Handbook of Tourism Education by Wayne P. Steger
Cover of the book The Middle East by Wayne P. Steger
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy