Name: The Imperfect Primary By Barbara Norrander (University of Arizona, USA)
SKU: 9780415995771
Price: 10.00 USD
Availability: InStock

The Imperfect Primary Summary

The Imperfect Primary: Oddities, Biases, and Strengths of U.S. Presidential Nomination Politics by Barbara Norrander (University of Arizona, USA)

Recognized as a Choice Outstanding Academic Title in 2011!

Many people complain about the complex system used to nominate presidents. The system is hardly rational because it was never carefully planned. Because of the dissatisfaction over the idiosyncrasies of the current system, periodic calls arise to reform the presidential nomination process. But how are we to make sense of the myriad complexities in the system as well as in the calls for change?

In The Imperfect Primary, political scientist Barbara Norrander explores how presidential candidates are nominated, discusses past and current proposals for reform, and examines the possibility for more practical, incremental changes to the electoral rules. Norrander reminds us to be careful what we wish for-reforming the presidential nomination process is as complex as the current system. Through the modeling of empirical research to demonstrate how questions of biases can be systematically addressed, students can better see the advantages, disadvantages, and potential for unintended consequences in a whole host of reform proposals.

The Imperfect Primary Reviews

Barbara Norrander, a leading scholar of presidential politics, has synthesized much of the theory, practice, and controversy surrounding contemporary presidential nominations in her book, The Imperfect Primary. As the title suggests, the process, as it has evolved over the years, has both contributed to and detracted from America's democratic electoral process. Norrander explains succinctly and clearly how and why it has done so. Her study will inform both introductory and advanced students.
-Stephen J. Wayne, Georgetown University

This is a compact and readable analysis of the quirky U.S. presidential nomination system. Political junkies will value the figures and tables that provide a comprehensive overview of various aspects of the primary process, such as candidate fundraising and delegate counts. Students will appreciate the emphasis on issues of fairness and reform.
-Linda L. Fowler, Dartmouth College

Barbara Norrander takes readers on a masterful tour of the often daunting intricacies of the presidential nomination process. She presents a clear and concise account of its origins, current configuration, and strengths and weaknesses as a way of selecting national leaders. For anyone wanting to know more about this singular, crucial process, her book is the first place to look.
-Gary Jacobson, University of California San Diego

Barbara Norrander has written a fine book that analyzes the nature of the presidential nomination system, nicely organized around what she calls oddities and biases as well as strengths. These she presents clearly and with remarkable balance. This analysis, as well as her equally clear and careful consideration of reforms and alternatives, will serve admirably not only her goal of helping students think through this complex set of considerations but will also do likewise for scholars and an interested public alike.
-John Aldrich, Duke University

'The Imperfect Primary is a very complete and concise review of the history of US presidential nominations, criticisms, and reform proposals. [...] This book is an extremely clear overview of presidential primaries and deserves recognition as a definitive reference. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above.' - M. L. Godwin, University of La Verne

About Barbara Norrander (University of Arizona, USA)

Barbara Norrander is a Professor in the School of Government and Public Policy at the University of Arizona. She has been writing about presidential nominations since the early 1980s.

Additional information

Sku

GOR012509234

ISBN 13

9780415995771

ISBN 10

0415995779

Title

The Imperfect Primary: Oddities, Biases, and Strengths of U.S. Presidential Nomination Politics by Barbara Norrander (University of Arizona, USA)

Author

Barbara Norrander (University of Arizona, USA)

Series

Controversies in Electoral Democracy and Representation

Condition

Used - Very Good

Binding type

Paperback

Publisher

Taylor & Francis Ltd

Year published

20100805

Number of pages

158

Prizes

N/A

Cover note

Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.

Note

This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

The Imperfect Primary Barbara Norrander (University of Arizona, USA)

The Imperfect Primary by Barbara Norrander (University of Arizona, USA)

Summary

The Imperfect Primary Summary

The Imperfect Primary: Oddities, Biases, and Strengths of U.S. Presidential Nomination Politics by Barbara Norrander (University of Arizona, USA)

The Imperfect Primary Reviews

About Barbara Norrander (University of Arizona, USA)

Table of Contents

Additional information

Customer Reviews - The Imperfect Primary