PLAW 330 Campaigns and Elections

Elections represent instances wherein the electorate renders its collective judgment on the past performance of a party or candidate, and the expectation of adopting particular public policies. Elections have wide-reaching consequences on the direction of the polity. Critical elections are especially pertinent episodes which fundamentally redirect the trajectory and focus of the nation. As such, free and fair elections remain immensely important exercises in democracies. Campaigns are operations designed precisely to turn out voters — mobilizing the base and persuading undecideds — on behalf of a party or candidate. Today, these organizations are vast and complex entities tasked with a bevy of responsibilities. When managed well, they pay enormous dividends to the beneficiary. When managed poorly and
inefficiently, they can seriously hamper the efforts by a candidate to solicit support from voters.
This course delves into the above themes in greater detail. We explore the broad span of political development in the United States, examining critical presidential elections and realignments which have altered the nature of campaigns and elections. How and why have elections become more popular and democratic? How have campaigns changed and evolved? Additionally, we examine nomination contests. Why has the primary system emerged as the premier method of nominating candidates for higher office? We also cover congressional elections and the changes wrought by major reforms. Finally, we assess components of campaigns themselves — candidate recruitment, fundraising, organization, mobilization, communication, and strategy. How have these organizations developed over the course of history? Why have they become so complex? Students should glean a better appreciation of the intricate manner by which campaigns are managed and the reasons behind their successes and failures.