This collection investigates the structural integrity and functional efficacy of the American presidential election process as it stood at the dawn of the 1980s. Editor Robert S. Hirschfield compiles a series of seminar papers from the French-American Foundation to analyze the intersection of political parties, media influence, campaign financing, and the nominating process. The text serves as a diagnostic examination of how institutional mechanisms and external pressures shape the selection of the nation's highest executive office.

Experts view this volume as a valuable historical snapshot of American political mechanics during a pivotal transition period in the late 20th century. Scholars often cite the work for its multi-perspective approach to the complexities of the electoral college and campaign strategy.