This FSEM examines the electoral process in contemporary American politics. The electoral process is how we carry out a fundamental aspect of republican democracy – allowing citizens to select representatives of the people to make decisions on our behalf. This course will introduce students to the basic rules and structure of the American electoral system of presidential and congressional elections. Students will evaluate the strategic decisions of candidates, political parties, the media, and organized interests. Students will also consider the decisions of voters and to what extent their decisions are influenced by campaigns.