In today's media-driven world, every presidential election is preceded by months—and sometimes years—of campaigning. Candidates must use television, social media, and good old-fashioned door-to-door canvassing to take their message to the public. In addition to presenting their platforms, they need to appeal to a wide variety of voters from different backgrounds. Campaigns have become a huge business, requiring millions of dollars in funding. Associated industries such as polling and data collection have exploded as candidates seek to gather all the information they can about public opinion. Beyond the 24-hour news cycles, the U.S. presidential election is a civic ritual with a rich and evolving history. This book explores the ways that presidential elections have developed over time, including the formation of the Electoral College, the extension of the right to vote to all citizens regardless of race or gender, and the shifting alliances of political parties, primaries, and conventions. Read on to learn the facts and become a more informed participant in the next presidential election.