The Election Process in America

In America, voting is a right, not an obligation. Many people of voting age think that their votes don't count or that trips to the polls are too much trouble. Considering the high prices we've paid for democracy, however, coupled with the fact that many elections are decided by a very small margin, it's important that concerned citizens continue to exercise their right to vote. This informative video from the acclaimed Just the Facts series outlines the election process--defining relevant terminology, presenting a historical overview, and distinguishing elections held at the local, state, and national levels--through a nice mix of archival footage and commentary from several experts and scholars. A timely plus finds the controversial Bush-Gore election of 2000 being used as a basis for discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the electoral college. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (E. Gieschen)