Elections seem to be constantly being reformed be it electronic voting systems, soft money laws, internet voting ad nauseam. Reforms and changes are essential to both keep up with technology and to pretend that the playing field is level even though it is quite clear to seasoned observes that the so called reforms in most cases are only window dressing for preserving the overwhelming edge for incumbents and the super-wealthy. This new book presents detailed analyses of the latest reforms and laws. CONTENTS: Preface; Elections Reform: Overview and Issues (Kevin J. Coleman and Eric A. Fisher); Election Projections: First Amendment Issues (Henry Cohen); Election of the President and Vice-President by Congress: Contingent Election (Thomas H. Neale); Congressional Authority to Standardize National Election Procedures (Kenneth R. Thomas); Campaign Finance Reform: Constitutional Issues Raised by Disclosure Requirements (L. Paige Whitaker); Campaign Financing: Highlights and Chronology of Current Federal Law (Joseph E. Cantor); Campaign Finance Reform: A Legal Analysis of Issue and Express Advocacy (L. Paige Whitaker); Campaign Finance in the 2000 Federal Elections: Overview and Estimates

The United States has not updated the Electoral College system since the Twelfth Amendment was ratified in 1804, despite public opinion polls showing a majority of Americans are in favor of changing or outright abolishing it. So why hasn't the United States reformed this system? Electoral College Reform brings together new essays examining all aspects of this crucial debate, including the reasons for reform, the issues surrounding a constitutional amendment, the effect of the Electoral College on political campaigns and the possibilities for extra-constitutional avenues to change. The authors consider both the Federalists' vision of balanced representation and a more democratic and equality-based ideal. These competing frameworks, perhaps more than any other factor, account for centuries of American indecision on this key issue. By offering an unprecedented and carefully researched analysis of an always controversial subject, this volume explores the potential for changing a system that many contend is long overdue.

The Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress. It is published daily when Congress is in session. The Congressional Record began publication in 1873. Debates for sessions prior to 1873 are recorded in The Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States (1789-1824), the Register of Debates in Congress (1824-1837), and the Congressional Globe (1833-1873)