Books
Why Parties?
Why did the United States develop political parties? How and why do party alignments change? Are the party-centered elections of the past better for democratic politics than the candidate-centered elections of the present? In this landmark book, John Aldrich goes beyond the clamor of arguments over whether American political parties are in resurgence or decline and undertakes a wholesale reexamination of the foundations of the American party system.Change and Continuity in the 2004 and 2006 Elections
What lessons can be drawn from the 2004 elections, and how do they apply to the 2006 contests? Can Democrats successfully translate President Bush’s low approval ratings into control over Congress? In careful analysis of both contests, the authors evaluate strategies and their impact on the outcome of the midterm elections. This updated edition, available in March, examines structural changes Republicans developed to help them in House contests, assesses how candidates decide whether or not to challenge incumbents, and discusses how tactics used in 2006 may come to dominate the 2008 presidential nomination contests. Hillary Clinton’s prospects both as a candidate for the Democratic nomination and for the general election as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the relatively large number of potential Republican candidates receive measured analysis.
Employing many data sources, the authors examine the actual midterm election results and then turn to their analysis of the National Election Study surveys. As with all books in the Change and Continuity series, the authors present election data in a straightforward, accessible manner and make sure to incorporate and discuss the most recent research literature.
Positive Changes in Political Science: The Legacy of Richard D. McKelvey's Most Influential Writings
Richard D. McKelvey was a pioneer in the use of mathematical modeling for understanding the nature of political choices. Positive Changes in Political Science brings together his most important articles, accompanied by original essays from contemporary political scientists, some his colleagues or students, who reflect upon his contributions, their continuing relevance today, and how they are still shaping research for the future.
