The media tells us that every election is like no other in history but 2016 actually deserves that title. America has a unique field of candidates: Donald Trump, a reality TV star with no experience in government and who lacks the support of much of his political party. Hillary Clinton, a former First Lady who is being investigated by the FBI. Bernie Sanders, a Jewish man who wears the label of "socialist" proudly. Ted Cruz, a Canadian-born Hispanic who is reviled by much of his own party. And John Kasich, a conservative, white governor. That last one wouldn't be so groundbreaking but he is still in there.

This brawl for the nomination absorbs an incredible amount of media attention, but so much of what is produced is marred by partisanship that it is no wonder that so few Americans fully understand the nomination process.

Because of these misunderstandings the Quick and Dirty Guide Team is proud to present our guide to America's messy primary elections! This book will walk you through the "whys" and the "hows" of our candidate selection process. This includes answers to questions like "Why does Iowa get to go first?" "How does a caucus work?" and "What's so super about superdelegates and why do just Democrats have them?"