The American Direct Primary: Party Institutionalization and Transformation in the North

ISBN-13: 9780521814928 / Angielski / Twarda / 2002 / 288 str.

Alan J. Ware

Opis

This is the first major study of the origins of direct primary elections in the U.S. since the 1920s. It rejects the widely held view that primaries resulted from a conflict between anti-party reformers and so-called party "regulars." Instead, it shows that the direct primary was the result of an attempt, starting in the late 1880s, by mainstream party politicians to subject their previously informal procedures to formal rules. Politicians turned to the direct primary because it proved impossible to make effective changes to the caucus-convention system of nominating candidates.

Recenzje

"A must-read for those interested in American parties and elections. Essential." Choice

Spis treści

1. Introduction; Part I. How the Direct Primary Arose: 2. The catalytic effect of ballot reform; 3. Legal control of party activity; 4. The spread of direct nominations; Part II. Why the Direct Primary was Introduced: 5. Reformers versus urban machines?; 6. The impact of party competition; 7. Explaining an 'irrational' reform; Part III. What Happened Next?: 8. Reaction and aftermath.