Contemporary Developments in Presidential Elections

Kevin J. Coleman
Analyst in Elections

R. Sam Garrett
Specialist in American National Government

Thomas H. Neale
Specialist American National Government

This report considers contemporary developments in presidential elections. It emphasizes three topics chosen for their recurring importance and notable recent developments: (1) nominating procedures; (2) campaign finance; and (3) the electoral college. The report highlights significant developments in these areas, particularly for the 2008 and 2012 elections. It also provides background information about the presidential election process in general. Other CRS products cited throughout this report provide additional information about the topics introduced here.

As the report notes, 2012 is expected to be a noteworthy election cycle for several reasons. Some are extensions of developments that started in 2008 or before, while others are more recent. Key themes discussed in this report include the following:

•         In recent years, the two major political parties have made efforts to control the “front-loading” phenomenon, the tendency for states to vie to be first or among the first to hold caucuses or primary elections to select presidential nominees. As the result of inter-party cooperation following the 2008 election, front-loading has been significantly reduced for 2012. 

•         Among Republicans, the winner-take-all method that had been widely used will be replaced with a proportional system for contests before April 1, although strict proportional allocation has not been mandated. With an open race for the Republican nomination, the pace of primaries and caucuses and the new allocation rule are likely to have an important, and as yet unknown, effect. 

•         Significant changes in campaign finance law are expected to shape campaign finance in the 2012 election cycle, largely as a result of the 2010 Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. In the aftermath of Citizens United, presidential candidates may face additional pressure to raise funds to be able to compete against their opponents and outside groups, particularly new organizations called “super PACs.” 

•         One of the most notable campaign finance developments in recent elections is the decline of the public financing system for presidential candidates. The program’s future remains uncertain for 2012, as candidates appear increasingly likely to opt instead for private fundraising. 

•         After decades of inactivity, proposals to reform the electoral college are undergoing a revival ahead of the 2012 elections. 

•         Various states have considered or are considering changes to their participation in the electoral college. Moreover, a non-governmental organization, the National Popular Vote (NPV) campaign, has proposed an interstate compact that would achieve direct election without a constitutional amendment.

Date of Report: January 9, 2012
Number of Pages: 54
Order Number: R42139
Price: $29.95

Follow us on TWITTER at http://www.twitter.com/alertsPHP or #CRSreports

Document available via e-mail as a pdf file or in paper form.
To order, e-mail Penny Hill Press or call us at 301-253-0881. Provide a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card number, expiration date, and name on the card. Indicate whether you want e-mail or postal delivery. Phone orders are preferred and receive priority processing.