The Imperfect Primary
Oddities, Biases, and Strengths of U.S. Presidential Nomination Politics
1st Edition
Published on 5. August 2010
Book
Paperback/Softback
158 pages
978-0-415-99577-1 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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.
Reviews / Votes
"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
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
8 s/w Tabellen, 12 s/w Zeichnungen
12 Line drawings, black and white; 8 Tables, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Weight
272 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-415-99577-1 (9780415995771)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions
Barbara Norrander
The Imperfect Primary
Oddities, Biases, and Strengths of U.S. Presidential Nomination Politics
Book
03/2015
2nd Edition
Routledge
€65.87
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Additional editions
Barbara Norrander
The Imperfect Primary
Oddities, Biases, and Strengths of U.S. Presidential Nomination Politics
Book
08/2010
1st Edition
Routledge
€171.12
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Person
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.
Content
1. Happenstance and Reforms 2. Presidential Nomination Politics at the Dawn of the 21st Century 3. Is This a Fair Way to Select a Presidential Nominee? 4. Alternative Methods for Nominating Presidents 5. Oddities, Biases, and Strengths of U.S. Presidential Nomination Politics