In 2000 the American electoral system was tested by a political ordeal unlike any in living memory. Not since 1876-77 has the outcome of a nation's election remained so unsettled for so long. The election's recount conundrum shook the nation's faith in the mechanisms that support the democratic process. Led by former presidents Ford and Carter, the National Commission on Federal Reform undertook a study of the American electoral system. This is the resulting report, which describes where and what went wrong during the 2000 election, and makes clear and specific recommendations for reform, directed at state government, Congress, news organizations and others. This volume also includes the full text of the task force reports from the commission.