The US presidential election is a complex and multifaceted system that has evolved over time to become what it is today. The changes in the country’s political landscape, the growing role of media, and an increasing personalization of the political offer are just some drivers of this process. Moreover, the presidential election is strictly connected with that of the Congress, which is held on the same day. The outcome of these votes is essential in shaping the development of US domestic politics and defining the country’s international posture.
On November 5, the US will choose their forty-seventh President.
This guide offers a curated selection of books, journals, databases and websites to help you explore the topic. The guide also provides sources on how the US political system works and the logic behind the presidential election. More importantly, it frames the presidential election into the broader context of US political life because, despite its preeminent role, the President is just one part of a larger political and institutional system, and its role cannot be fully understood outside the web of relations that defines and limits its actual power.