This is well-timed for an election year and, in an easy anecdotal manner, shows the citizens' effect on legislative issues through the combined power of their votes. Especially rewarding are the presence of the more recent Presidential races for examples of political strategy and voter response. The book was written by a professional election-watcher -- the author is a political specialist for the New York Times Washington Bureau. From the primary stages through the convention fights to election campaigns, the mechanics of the Presidential race is well covered. The presence and effect of special interest groups is also examined. Voter responsibility right down to the local level completes the briskly written and thorough report on government at work.