The Front-Loading Problem in Presidential Nominations

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The race for the White House may seem like a marathon, but the nomination process is becoming a sprint, with the starting gun fired earlier each time. Where state primaries and caucuses were once spread out over a period of three or four months, most are now crammed into a four- or five-week interval at the very beginning of the delegate selection calendar. The compression and hastening of the nomination season are changing the nature of the presidential selection process, the most visible pillar of American democracy. Despite the importance of this issue in American politics, however, too little systematic analysis has been done on the topic. This is the first book to offer a comprehensive examination of the front-loading problem in all its facets. William Mayer and Andrew Busch define the parameters of the front-loading question as well as its impact. They trace the history that shaped the current system and explain why it is such a critical element of presidential elections. Most important, the authors present a detailed analysis of all the major proposals for coping with front-loading and of the political and constitutional obstacles for reform. While they conclude that there is no easy solution to this complex issue, they identify a general direction for reform efforts. They also feel that the political parties should be the prime movers in formulating and implementing changes."

About the author

By William G. Mayer and Andrew E. Busch

Product details

• Authors: Andrew E. Busch, Busch Andrew E., William G. Mayer, Mayer William G.
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 18.11.2003
• EAN: 9780815755197
• ISBN: 978-0-8157-5519-7
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education; USA, POLITICAL SCIENCE / American Government / National, United States of America, USA, Elections & referenda, Central / national / federal government, Central government, Elections and referenda / suffrage