Everyone learns the general concepts of the electoral process in school but when issues surrounding an election gain prominence in the news, many want to dive deeper into the subjects related to that process. This minibibliography lists titles that explain the Electoral College and its constitutional role. Also listed are titles discussing the contested elections of 1800, 1876, and 2000.
Digital braille and talking book titles can be downloaded from the NLS BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) service. Contact your local cooperating library to register for BARD. Registered users may also download audio titles on iOS and Android devices using the BARD Mobile app. Braille titles may be downloaded using the app on a device linked by Bluetooth to a refreshable braille display. To find your local cooperating library, go to www.loc.gov/nls/findyourlibrary or call toll-free 888-NLS-READ (888-657-7323).
The Electoral College
The Presidential Election Process
by Kristin Allison
Discusses the pros and cons of the American way of electing a political leader, including the roles of primaries and conventions, campaign financing, media coverage, and the Electoral College. Describes the 2000 election between George W. Bush and Al Gore. For junior and senior high and older readers. 2008.
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How Democratic Is the American Constitution?
by Robert Alan Dahl
Yale University political science professor challenges the adequacy of the United States Constitution to protect in reality the fairness it promises. Criticizes the Electoral College and the inequality of representation in the Senate and proposes new ways to think about the problems of American democracy. 2001.
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Are American Elections Fair?
by Stuart A. Kallen
Ten essays debate the U.S. election process. Includes arguments for and against the Electoral College, electronic voting machines, voting rights for felons and undocumented immigrants, and campaign finance reform. Discusses the disputed presidential election of 2000 and provides a list of relevant organizations. For junior and senior high readers. 2006.
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American Political Parties and Elections: A Very Short Introduction
by Louis Sandy Maisel
Distills the American electoral process and critiques its imperfections. Surveys the history of political parties, the Electoral College system, presidential campaigns, and state party organizations. Author laments low voter turnout, the lack of competition among political parties, and the state of campaign financing. 2007.
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Let the People Pick the President: The Case for Abolishing the Electoral College
by Jesse Wegman.
A legal journalist and editor reflects on the use of Electoral College in American elections and its long, controversial history. He outlines his own criticisms of the system, including its role in increasing political polarization and voter apathy and calls for election reform. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020.
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No Way to Pick a President
by Jules Witcover
A reporter--who has covered every presidential election since Eisenhower's--recommends reforms for choosing candidates. Uses anecdotes to describe how the current system of campaigning has been corrupted by television, money, and ambition. Suggestions include dismantling the Electoral College, banning soft money, and shortening the primary season. 1999.
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Children’s books about the Electoral College
Grace for President
by Kelly DiPucchio
Grace Campbell learns about campaigning, voting, and the Electoral College system when she runs for school president against a popular boy from another class. For grades 2-4. 2008.
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See How They Run
by Susan E. Goodman
Explains the process for electing the president of the United States. Discusses the Electoral College system of voting, the role of political parties, candidates' campaigns and debates, and the reasons all citizens should vote. Presents historical facts about former presidents and past elections. For grades 4-7. 2008.
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America Votes: How Our President Is Elected
by Linda Granfield
Explains the U.S. presidential election process including its history, the role of political parties, becoming a candidate, campaign finance, voting fraud, the Electoral College, and casting ballots. Emphasizes the right and the responsibility of citizens to vote. For grades 4-7. 2003.
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The Electoral College
by Martha S. Hewson
Discusses the Electoral College procedure for choosing United States presidents that gives each state the same number of votes as its representatives and senators in Congress. Reviews conflicts arising during the disputed elections of 1876, 1888, and especially 2000. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 2002.
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Disputed Elections
1800 America Afire: Jefferson, Adams, and the Revolutionary Election of 1800
by Bernard A. Weisberger
Describes the United States's first presidential election crisis, in 1800, between the Federalists under John Adams and Republicans under Thomas Jefferson. The election was eventually sent to the House of Representatives, which balloted thirty-six times before Jefferson won. And President Adam's peaceful departure set a precedent. 2000.
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Fraud of the Century: Rutherford B. Hayes, Samuel Tilden, and the Stolen Election of 1876
by Roy Morris
Traces the post-Civil War presidential election, which in America's centenary year pitted Ohio Republican Governor Rutherford Hayes against New York Democratic Governor Samuel Tilden. An electoral commission declared Hayes the winner after disputed southern returns and four months of backroom political intrigue by both parties. 2003.
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2000
Supreme Injustice: How the High Court Hijacked Election 2000
by Alan M. Dershowitz
Prominent attorney comments on the Supreme Court's decision in Bush v. Gore that stopped the contested vote-counting in Florida and settled the 2000 election. He criticizes the decision as partisan, discusses the justices' motives, and looks at some of their earlier opinions, which he maintains contradict their arguments in this one. Bestseller. 2001.
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At any Cost: How Al Gore Tried to Steal the Election<br/ >by Bill Sammon
Partisan analysis of the 2000 U.S. presidential election crisis when, for thirty-six days, the results of the race were contested by Democratic candidate Al Gore. Describes how the Gore campaign's efforts in Florida came to an end when George W. Bush's electoral victory was assured by a Supreme Court decision. Bestseller. 2001.
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Bush v. Gore: Controversial Presidential Election Case
by Diana K. Sergis
Discusses the 2000 Supreme Court landmark decision that resulted in Texas governor George W. Bush becoming the forty-third U.S. president. Describes the contested ballot recounts in Florida, battles in state and federal courts, and constitutional arguments presented to the nation's highest court by Bush and his challenger, Vice President Albert Gore. For senior high and older readers. 2003.
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Deadlock: The Inside Story of America's Closest Election
by the Washington Post Company
Washington Post political journalists describe the 2000 presidential election finale in Florida, detailing the counting techniques, legal maneuvers, and the court battle for the state's electoral votes. Explores the decisions that led Gore to pursue recounts and Bush the Supreme Court. Bestseller. 2001.
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Updated October 2020