How to Steal an Election by Jill Lepore

Nominating Convention

An American political event where major parties nominate their candidates for President.

Electoral College

A group of representatives selected by each state to formally elect the President and Vice President.

Primary Elections

Elections in which party members vote to nominate candidates for office.

King Caucus

A term used to describe the old method where a congressional caucus chose party nominees.

Superdelegates

High-ranking party members who are not bound to vote for a specific candidate at the convention.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes.

Populism

A political approach that seeks to represent the interests of ordinary people.

Anti-Masonic Party

The first party to hold a presidential-nominating convention in 1831.

Progressive Era

A period of social activism and political reform in the United States from the 1890s to the 1920s.

Dixiecrats

A short-lived segregationist political party that emerged from the Democratic Party in 1948.

What is the main argument of Jill Lepore's "How to Steal an Election"?

Lepore argues that the integrity of elections is crucial to democracy, and she examines historical and contemporary tactics that threaten the electoral process, highlighting the impact on voter rights and representation.

What tactics does Lepore discuss in relation to stealing elections?

Lepore outlines tactics such as voter suppression, gerrymandering, misinformation campaigns, and the manipulation of election laws.

How does Lepore connect past events to current electoral practices?

Lepore draws parallels between historical attempts to undermine elections and modern practices, showing how these tactics have evolved yet continue to pose threats to fair elections.

What historical examples does Lepore use to illustrate her argument?

Lepore references significant events such as the disenfranchisement of various groups and pivotal court cases that have shaped election laws in the United States.

What is Lepore's perspective on the importance of safeguarding electoral integrity?

Lepore emphasizes that safeguarding electoral integrity is essential for maintaining a healthy democracy and ensuring that all citizens have a voice in the