ABSTRACT
In 1776, British colonists, protesting taxation without representation in Parliament, declared their independence with a rhetorical flourish that underscored their right to alter or abolish a government that was not fulfilling the purpose for which it was intended. The Florida voting controversy in 2000, in which official election results were disputed, highlighted many of the voting problems that have plagued the US electoral system since its creation. The Constitution charges the states with the conduct of federal elections. Laws designed to limit spiraling expenses, reduce the influence of the wealthy, bring donors and their donations into full public view, and decrease the need for non-stop fund-raising by candidates have not worked as intended or at all. Reliance on the press would not be so bad if their goals were similar to those of the parties, candidates, and country, but they are not.
