The way American citizens elect a president in November is enshrined in the Constitution and has remained unchanged for two hundred years. By contrast, the rules by which American political parties nominate their presidential candidates have evolved dramatically over time. In recent years, these byzantine rules have allowed a number of unexpected candidates to win their party's presidential nomination. In The Best Candidate, a roster of leading election law scholars from across the political spectrum - true-blue Democrats, die-hard Republicans, and everyone in between - illuminate the law behind the modern presidential nomination process and offer ideas for how it can be improved. This book offers a blueprint for how American voters and their parties could nominate the best candidate for the presidency, and it should be read by anyone who cares about the occupant of the Oval Office.

'Essential reading for all who strive to understand the presidential nomination process.'

Guy-Uriel E. Charles - Edward and Ellen Schwarzman Professor of Law, Duke Law School

'A definitive collection on a topic of surpassing importance.'

Pamela S. Karlan - Kenneth and Harle Montgomery Professor of Public Interest Law, Stanford Law School

'Here, finally, is a book about the law that shapes the road to the White House.'

Nicholas O. Stephanopoulos - Professor of Law, Harvard Law School

'Brilliant and wide-ranging, this work is a must read.'

Franita Tolson - Professor of Law and Vice Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs, University of Southern California Gould School of Law