American Political Parties Under Pressure

This book addresses the changing electoral and political circumstances in which American political parties found themselves during the 2016 election, and the strategic adaptations this new pressure may require. The respective establishments of both major political parties have found themselves facing serious challenges. Some observers wondered if realignment was in progress, and whether the parties could survive. Both grounded in research and accessible to more than just academics, this book provides important insights into how political parties can move forward from 2016.

Chapman Rackaway is Professor and Chair in the Department of Political Science at University of West Georgia, USA. In August 2015, while at Fort Hays State University, Rackaway was named President’s Distinguished Scholar. He has published work on electioneering strategy, the use of technological and social media tools in state campaigns and technological tool effects on student learning outcomes in the American Government classroom.Laurie L. Rice is Associate Professor of Political Science at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, USA, where she teaches classes in American politics, including the presidency, presidential campaigns, and political parties and interest groups. Her research appears in journals such as Presidential Studies Quarterly, Social Science Computer Review, and Social Science Quarterly and she also co-authored the book Web 2.0 and the Political Mobilization of College Students./div>