Routledge Why Vote? - Essential Questions About American Elections

For nearly 200 years, Americans have relied on elections to define the democratic character of the nation. This book explores how tectonic shifts are currently changing the nature of the electoral process in the United States. As the country becomes an election-crazed nation, many look to the next candidate or contest to solve systemic problems, yet the underlying structures are facing unprecedented challenges. This work examines the modern forces distorting American democracy. It looks at the rise of fear-centered partisanship and new limits placed on voter access to the polls. The text also addresses the massive impact of social media, the decline of objectivity, and the influence of Russian interference. By analyzing the reemergence of the partisan press and the growing weight of elites, this book provides a deep look into the current state of American voting and the future of the democratic system.