Political System Resources
Articles Index
Of Primary Importance
Here come the presidential primaries. How many times do we have to vote for president, anyway? Why can't we just go to the polls once in November and be done with it? What's so important about the primaries?
How the Iowa Caucuses Work
The Iowa caucuses are a great, grass-roots exercise in direct democracy, featuring face-to-face debate, open voting and yes, even some changed minds. But, they are also a complicated process. Here's how the caucuses work:
About the Primary - Caucus - Convention System
Every four years, along come -- Primaries, Caucuses, Delegates and Conventions -- the U.S. presidential election. How do these key processes of American democracy work? How are our presidential candidates chosen? Read the basics here.
California Ponders Letting 14-year-olds Vote
If 71-year-old State Sen. John Vasconcellos (D-Santa Clara) has his way, California would become the first state in the nation to open its voting booths to teenagers as young as 14.
Why Third Parties?
While their presidential candidates stand little chance of being elected, members of America's third parties have historically promoted concepts and policies that have been incorporated as important parts of our social and political lives.
New Hampshire Primary Mainly About Publicity
A popular political myth holds that you cannot be elected president without winning the New Hampshire primary. While this is just not true, the media does its best to make it a self-fulfilling fantasy.
Survey Reveals Jewish Vote for Presidency
A majority of American Jews consider themselves Democrats, but if the 2004 U.S. presidential election were held today, President George W. Bush would win significantly more of the Jewish vote than he did in 2000, a new poll by the American Jewish Committee[/link] shows.
Political Parties to Get $14.6 Million Each for Conventions
The Republican and Democratic political parties will receive $14,592,000 each from the U.S. Treasury for planning and conducting their respective 2004 presidential nominating conventions, according to the Federal Election Commission.