(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Brian J Purnell, Bowdoin College; Morgan Marietta, University of Massachusetts Lowell, and Neta C. Crawford, Boston University

(THE CONVERSATION) The American public has had its say and for the first time in a generation denied a sitting president a second term.

President Donald Trump's tenure lasted just four years, but in that time he dragged policy on an array of key issues in a dramatic new direction.

Joe Biden's victory, confirmed by the Associated Press late morning on Nov. 7...