1. The Not-So-Sweet Seventeen

In the beginning of the campaign season, the Republican party had 17 candidates. As the season progressed, the candidates dwindled down to Donald Trump receiving the nomination.

2. Campaign Chaos

Both campaigns faced bitter and harsh times. Hillary Clinton’s emails, which led to an FBI investigation, became an issue of trust. Though for Donald Trump, the unfolding of sexual allegations, including harassment charges, had little harm on his campaign.

3. Fear Factor

Donald Trump, pulling a tactic not seen since the Nixon era, used American’s fear of immigrants and ISIS to help gain support. One of the most remembered ideas is Trump’s wall on the Mexican border.

4. Unconventional Convention

In July, the Democratic National Convention was hacked, leading to the resignation of Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, the DNC Chairman. In August, Hillary Clinton made history as the first woman to be nominated by a major political party.

5. Third Parties

Though third parties typically never make a large contribution to the political playing field, in 2016, candidates such as Gary Johnson and Jill Stein, gave the American people an alternative option.

6. Satirical SNL Skits

With Alec Baldwin as Donald Trump and Kate McKinnon as Hillary Clinton, Saturday Night Live portrayed politics in a light hearted and comedic way, expressing the concerns and fears of the American people.

7. The Dare to Debate

At first, it was a question whether or not Trump would stand on stage with a long time politician, but the American people watched both candidates attempt to persuade them.

8. Race for 270

As the election inched closer, candidates campaigned in major swing states to clench the 270 electoral votes needed for the presidency.

9. The Man of the Hour… and Next Four Years

In the late hours of Nov. 8, Donald Trump won the election and became the President-elect of the United States, a shock to pollsters everywhere.  

10. What Now?

The question that circled every American after election night- what now?