5. Presidential elections: Nominating campaigns and general elections

Abstract

‘Presidential elections: Nominating campaigns and general elections’ explores the complexities of how candidates for president are chosen and how they are elected. The nominating campaign is to many Americans confusing and opaque. The lengthy timescale of primary and caucus elections means that some states have a disproportionate influence on the outcome. Two factors have even greater influence in the election process: the funding of campaigns, which can cost tens of millions of dollars, and the nature of the Electoral College system, which means that much of the debate will be conducted in a few battleground states where a few votes can make a difference to the Electoral College.