The focus of our concern is the electoral system. We will look at those enduring factors that almost always influence the outcome of elections regardless of issues or candidates. Indeed, it would be possible to take this course without ever mentioning a particular candidate or that candidate's position on issues. Naturally, we will not do that, but the point is that there is an electoral structure in which candidates and issues operate. That structure places limits, establishes boundaries, and helps to determine what kinds of candidates and what kinds of issues can influence the electoral system.
Candidates come and go.
The electoral system changes slowly if at all. Consequently, it makes much more sense to concentrate on the system rather than on candidates in the short time we have in this course. In short, our task is to identify the enduring aspects of our electoral system that affect not just this cycle of elections, but elections far into the past and future. On September 8 you will each submit a statement of your goals for the course. This statement should be as specific and detailed as possible.