Presidential Elections: The Electoral Process at Work
Living in a democracy is great: it creates a platform for opportunity and equality unlike any other political system. But the system is only as strong as those who make it, and the American electoral process depends on committed voters and civic-minded individuals to keep it running fairly. In 2008, Americans are once again faced with the central component in preserving the democratic system—voting for president. This guide will refresh your memory on the history of the electoral process, show you how to register to vote, and suggest some resources for would-be volunteers.
Expand All Guide SectionsHistory of the U.S. Electoral Process
The United States developed an electoral process based on democratic ideals. Studying the history of American elections sheds light on the founders’ original intent as well as the contemporary value of the unique elements of the American electoral system, such as Electoral College.
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- If you want to read about the current presidential campaign, visit findingDulcinea’s Election 2008 Web Guide. You’ll find out who’s officially running, where to get news about the campaign process, and much more.
- As you research elements of American political history, don’t be afraid of sites geared toward kids or teens. We’ve recommended some in this guide, and you may come across others in your research. These sites can be valuable sources of information and shouldn’t be discredited just because they are presented in a simple, educational way.
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The Library of Congress
presents this educational site that explores the history and relevance of various elements of the presidential electoral process. Go to “Candidates” to learn about candidate requirements, or visit “Party System” for an overview of how the U.S. political system is organized.
U.S. Department of State
publishes this “Outline of U.S. Government.” The site explains the history and development of key aspects of American politics. The Constitution, the Federalist Papers, the creation of the three branches of government, and other key topics are explored in eight chapters. Have a look at the “Government of the People: The Role of the Citizen” for information on how your voice matters.
Vote: The Machinery of Democracy
is sponsored by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, and provides a history of the voting process and practices in America, with photos and cartoons dating back to the 19th century. This site is primarily an exhibition of voting devices and advertisements, but includes lots of historical information.
The Electoral College
As was demonstrated in the 2000 election, there’s more that goes into winning the Presidency than getting the most votes. George H.W. Bush defeated Al Gore because of the Electoral College—even though Al Gore received more actual votes. So what is the point of the Electoral College? How did the system develop, and why is it relevant today? Use the following sites to understand the history of the electoral process and why the Electoral College matters.
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- If you’re interested in learning more about the history and background of the U.S. government, visit findingDulcinea’s Politics Web Guide.
- If you want to learn more about specific branches of government, the best way to get the most information is to visit their Web sites directly. For example, learn about the Executive Branch by visiting The White House Web site.
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For an outline of the presidential electoral process …
The U.S. Department of State
presents this complete directory of sites that explain elements of the election process. Links to information about various parts of American government are provided, along with statistics and research reports.
GovSpot.com
indexes some of the most informative U.S. government Web sites on any topic. This link explains the election process in simplified terms. This is a good place to learn about specific branches of government or the organizations under their jurisdiction. Use this page as a point of access to sites that represent the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches. You’ll also find resources for state, local, and world government here.
Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government for Kids
explains the American election and political process in such depth that even adults will benefit. Geared toward high school students, this site is easy to read and has lots of worthwhile information. Visit “Election Process” for descriptions of how the President and VP, senators, and representatives are elected, along with how to register to vote. You’ll also find historical documents, and basic facts about government structure and the legislative process.
For information on the Electoral College specifically …
The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
offers this complete resource for the Electoral College. The colorful page is easy to navigate, with sections on the history and process of the Electoral College. Each section has links that answer essential questions and allow you to track Electoral College facts and figures from past elections.
David Leip’s Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections
provides this helpful link to “Election Information,” which details the origins and function of the Electoral College. Peruse the “Pros and Cons of the Electoral College System” for a more complete perspective. Also read relevant parts of the U.S. Constitution, or review historical data by searching for Electoral College figures by year.
270toWin.com
is an interactive Electoral College map that doubles as an interactive history of presidential elections dating all the way back to 1789. Trace every election and how many votes each candidate got from both the Electoral College and the Popular Vote. A color-coded U.S. map illustrates which party won the Electoral College votes in each state that year.
American Political Parties
Although there are two major American political parties, many others exist on the fringes of the bipartisan system. If you’re not sure exactly what the platforms of some of the more esoteric parties are, use this section of the guide to find out. You’ll also find the official Web sites for the Democratic and Republican parties.
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- Small parties often adopt major candidates for their tickets. For example, the Democratic candidate sometimes serves as the primary candidate for the Liberal party, and the leading Republican candidate sometimes serves as the name on the Libertarian party ticket.
- Most or all of these parties have national committees, but they also have state or local committees that can be great sources of information. Use these local resources to get directly involved.
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For help determining what party suits you best …
Political Compass
offers a test for you to determine where you stand on a political scale that goes beyond the basic Left vs. Right framework. Questions are thoughtful and varied, and the outcome of this detailed test shows you where you stand on a graph that measures Left–Right as well as Authoritarian–Libertarian.
To learn more about the various political parties …
Politics1
is a nonpartisan guide to American politics and elections. This link is a directory to U.S. political parties, with hyperlinks to profiles of important members of each party, many of whom are also candidates for the 2008 presidential election. You’ll also find links to major party-affiliated organizations, as well as descriptions and links to the third parties. The site offers a broad view of the many political perspectives in the United States.
The Democratic Party
hosts this Web site, which provides updates on national and local news. Visit “Our Party” for information on the party’s platforms, including its strategy, history and affiliations. Visit the “Agenda” link for a list of topics that the party finds most pressing, or go to “People” to see how the Democratic Party responds to the needs of your particular demographic.
GOP.com
clearly explains where the Republican Party stands on the most discussed topics of the day. Visit “Issues,” and click on a topic for statistics and background information related to specific themes, such as social security and legal reform. The site makes registering to vote, volunteering, and donating simple. Active involvement is strongly encouraged; write a letter to the editor, register to volunteer or vote, or sign a petition from the homepage.
Register to Vote
Voting is the most important thing you can do to foster and maintain democracy. This section of the guide helps get you to the polls, registered and ready. Find out where the nearest polling station is, how to cast an absentee ballot, or register to vote for the first time. If you’re interested in contributing to American politics on a deeper level, you’ll also find sites that provide volunteer opportunities.
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- Don’t wait until the last minute to register to vote. The process often takes longer than you expect, and you never know what logistical details will come up—especially if you are trying to register so that you can cast an absentee ballot.
- If you need additional assistance, or are unsure of where your closest polling station is located, visit your state’s homepage for more information. Find a homepage by replacing the XX’s in this address with the two-letter abbreviation of your state: http://www.XX.gov. For example, for New York, enter http://www.NY.gov.
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For voter registration …
C-SPAN
uses an intuitive and interactive map of the United States to help you register to vote. Download and print your state form, fill it out, and send it to the voting office of your state.
For absentee voting information …
The Federal Voting Assistance Program
’s Absentee Voting Assistance provides voting forms and information to uniformed services members and overseas citizens.
Volunteer in Presidential Elections
Presidential campaigns, from the primaries to the final election in November, are always looking for help and support. If you have any inclination to volunteer for your party or candidate of choice, there are many ways to get involved. Below are some sites that show you where to begin.
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- Although there is a high demand for volunteers on a national level (especially during the party conventions) don’t forget about the importance of grassroots support. Get involved with your party or candidate on a local level between major, national events.
- To learn about additional political volunteering opportunities, visit findingDulcinea’s Political Activism Web Guide.
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C-SPAN’s Campaign Network
has contact information for everyone running for office. Research candidates, and then get in touch with campaign managers to volunteer your time.
GovEngine.com
is a database of government Web sites divided by state, making this an excellent way to find out about local volunteer opportunities. Visit the site of any branch or division of local government and use the sites to contact the officials or candidates you wish to support.
League of Women Voters
is not just for women, it’s a nonpartisan organization aiming to get everyone involved in the democratic process. On the site, you’ll find information about various projects and ways to get involved. Contact them to get information about current campaigns.
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