ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the expectations for democratic campaigns and elections. It begins with conceptual clarifications of the terms campaigns and elections, and identifies differences between particular types of campaigns and elections. The also chapter identifies the functions of campaigns and elections. Elections are a mechanism for choosing public officials, obviously, but they also ensure accountability, influence the direction of public policy, and grant legitimacy to the government. It discusses the theoretical role of campaigns and elections in democracy and ends with a look at some ethical considerations. Campaign finance patterns, norms of media behavior, voter engagement, and various election laws may diminish the competitiveness of campaigns in otherwise democratic electoral systems. Most of the criticism of American elections— and, most of the reform efforts—address threats to electoral equality and, fairness. The vast majority of campaign activity involves communication of one kind or another, and most of it is persuasive in nature.
