Guides, explainers, and analysis about how U.S. government works — and how to make yours work for you.
19 articles · Page 2 of 4
Primaries and caucuses both decide who ends up on your ballot, but they work nothing alike — one's a quiet trip to the polls, the other's a public meeting with your neighbors. Here's how each one actually works.
When a senator resigns or dies in office, there's no single national rule for what happens next. Some governors can appoint a replacement to serve out the full term; others must call a special election within months. Here's how it actually works, state by state.
A close national popular vote can still produce a losing candidate as president. Here's how the Electoral College's 538 votes actually work, why the Founders built it that way, and the real arguments on both sides of replacing it.
An overview of how campaign finance works in U.S. federal elections, from contribution limits to Super PACs and the ongoing debate over reform.
A clear guide to federal elections — how candidates qualify, how voting works, and how results are certified. Learn the key stages every voter should know.