exploring the modern political parties and branches, to fundrasing and processes, readers will be able to develop and deepen their understanding of the functioning of the U.S. government. The U.S. Constitution outlines the way Americans choose their political leaders. Electing a president was originally intended to be a simple process. But with the development of political parties, fundraising, advertising, and mass media, the system has become increasingly complex. Every American should understand the stages in the presidential election process. From the primaries and caucuses to the debates and conventions, up to the general election and the inauguration, there are opportunities for citizens to become fully involved in the process. Citizens must learn to use the powers granted to them by the U.S. Constitution to ensure that the democracy envisioned by the Founding Fathers remains strong and vibrant.

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