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7 books to understand the US election [reading list]

As the US Election approaches, explore a few Very Short Introductions to help answer your questions. Get informed before the debates begin, with concise guides on a wide range of topics from American political parties to democracy. Whether you’re a first-time voter or a seasoned political enthusiast, these introductions will provide you with the essential knowledge you need to understand the issues at stake and make an informed decision.

Check out our VSIs for the upcoming election:

Cover image of "Elections: A Very Short Introduction" by L. Sandy Maisel and Jennifer A. Yoder

1. Elections: A Very Short Introduction

Most citizens know how elections work in their own country, but not all elections are created equally. Elections determine who will hold public office and who will have the power to govern. They allow citizens to choose who will make decisions on their behalf and regulate their behavior. 

Read Elections: A Very Short Introduction

Cover image of "American Political Parties and Elections: A Very Short Introduction" by L. Sandy Maisel

2. American Political Parties and Elections: A Very Short Introduction

Few Americans and even fewer citizens of other nations understand the electoral process in the United States. Still fewer understand the role played by political parties in the electoral process or the ironies within the system. The third edition of American Political Parties and Elections: A Very Short Introduction provides an inside view of the paradoxical aspects of the American electoral system.

Read American Political Parties and Elections

Cover image of "The U.S Supreme Court: A Very Short Introduction" by Linda Greenhouse

3. The U.S. Supreme Court: A Very Short Introduction

For 30 years, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Linda Greenhouse chronicled the activities of the U.S. Supreme Court and its justices as a correspondent for the New York Times. In this Very Short Introduction, Greenhouse draws on her deep knowledge of the court’s history and of its written and unwritten rules to show readers how the Supreme Court really works. This third edition tracks the changes in the Court’s makeup over the past decade, including the landmark decisions of the Obama and Trump eras and the emergence of a conservative supermajority.

Read The U.S. Supreme Court: A Very Short Introduction

Cover image of "Democracy: A Very Short Introduction" by Naomi Zack

4. Democracy: A Very Short Introduction

Democracy refers to both ideal and real forms of government. The concept of democracy means that those governed—the demos—have a say in government. But different conceptions of democracy have left many out. Naomi Zack provides a fresh treatment of the history of this idea and its key conceptions.

Read Democracy: A Very Short Introduction

5. The American Presidency: A Very Short Introduction

Cover image of "The American Presidency: A Very Short Introduction" by Charles O. Jones

The American founding fathers were dedicated to the project of creating a government that was both functional and incapable of devolving into tyranny. To do this, they intentionally decentralized decision-making among the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches. They believed this separation of powers would force compromise and achieve their goal of “separating to unify.” This updated edition reviews crucial themes, including democratization of presidential elections, transitioning into and organizing a presidency, challenges in leading the permanent government, making law and policy, and reforming and changing the institution.

Read The American Presidency: A Very Short Introduction

Cover image of "American Politics: A Very Short Introduction" by Richard M. Valelly

6. American Politics: A Very Short Introduction

American politics seems to grow more contentious and complicated by the day, and whether American democracy works well is hotly debated. Amidst all these roiling partisan arguments and confusing claims and counterclaims, there has never been a greater need for an impartial primer on the basics of the American political system.

Read American Politics: A Very Short Introduction

Cover image of "The U.S. Congress: A Very Short Introduction" by Donald A. Ritchie

7. The U.S. Congress: A Very Short Introduction

Donald A. Ritchie, a congressional historian for forty years, takes readers on a fascinating, behind-the-scenes tour of Capitol Hill, pointing out the key players, explaining their behavior, and translating parliamentary language into plain English. He also explores the essential necessity of compromise to accomplish anything significant in the legislative arena. However, recent events show that political polarization has hardened and produced gridlock, as Ritchie explains in this new edition.

Read The U.S. Congress: A Very Short Introduction

Featured image by Philip Goldsberry via Unsplash.

Recent Comments

  1. Dr. Kishor Shankar Dere

    2024 is a super election year as globally, more voters than ever in history have headed/are heading/ will head to the polls as at least 64 countries (plus the European Union)—representing a combined population of about 49% of the people in the world—are meant to hold national elections. Results of all these elections will prove consequential for years to come. India, UK, Indonesia, South Africa, France, Russia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Mexico, South Korea, Algeria, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Ghana, Mozambique, Madagascar, Venezuela, North Korea, Syria, Mali, Sri Lanka, Romania, Chad, Senegal, Cambodia, Rwanda, Tunisia, Belgium, Dominican Republic, Jordan, South Sudan and many other nations figure in the long list of election-holding jurisdictions, As the global wave of democracy surges ahead amidst authoritarian challenges, and people in various parts of the world celebrate the festival of elections, it becomes imperative to deepen and broaden our understanding of democracy, its system of governance, separation of powers among legislature, executive and judiciary as well as role of political parties and the need for citizens to remain ever alert and vigilant forever. The US Presidential elections generate interest and curiosity across the world. People everywhere are keen to know the outcome of this process although only the US citizens can cast their votes in this electoral exercise. It is also a paradox that within the US itself there is widespread public apathy, cynicism and indifference towards politics and elections. Therefore, it is also an opportunity to learn through these seven books about the US governance system, politics, presidential system of democracy, campaign finance, gerrymandering, deadlock and gridlock on the Capitol Hill and an opportunity for voters to peacefully change the policy-makers as well as decision-makers. Happy elections to all. Please cast your precious votes and bring about the desirable changes silently. Ballot box prevails over bullet emanating from the barrel of a gun.

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