Exploration of the legal issues related to elections and politics with a particular emphasis on the most recent election cycle. Voting, political parties, legislative districting, ballot propositions and campaign finance. Emphasis on federal statutes and regulations that govern elections. Students will read and discuss the major court decisions which interpret and apply the election and campaign laws. In addition to lectures and class discussion, the course will frequently employ guest speakers to explore the practical, real world effects of the laws we study. In some semesters, this course may be taught exclusively online.