William J. Crotty of Northwestern University discusses the impact of past reforms by both parties and the likelihood of future changes.
John Jackson of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and a delegate to the 1980Democratic Convention, examines "The 1980 Democratic Primary in Illinois." James Nowlan of the University of Illinois provides balance with "The 1980 Republican Presidential Primary in Illinois." Paul David closes out discussion of the nominating process with "The National Conventions of 1980."
David Everson describes "The Presidential Campaign of 1980." Lois Moreland from Spelman College, Atlanta, and author of White Racism and the Law, writes on "Minorities in the Politics of 1980." Herbert E. Alexander, Director of the Citizen's Research Foundation and professor at the University of Southern California describes "Financing the Campaigns and the Parties of 1980."
Robert D. McClure of The Maxwell School of Syracuse University discusses the "Media Influence in Presidential Politics." Paul David adds "The Election of 1980and Its Consequences," finding that the election was "clearly a rejection of President Jimmy Carter" and that "the Reagan mandate should be read mainly as an opportunity." Peter Colby, SUNY-Binghamton, and Paul Green, Governor's State University, discuss "Illinois and the Presidential Election of 1980." Laurin Henry, School of Community Services, Virginia Commonwealth University, views "The Transition: From Election to Inauguration."
The book closes with James Ceaser, of the University of Virginia, examining "American Political Parties in the Eighties: Declining or Resurging?"