How much of that is due to a lack of interest on the part of the electorate?

Many people haven't even read the Constitution, and it is a relatively short document.

Every candidate has an opportunity to get a message to the electorate, even if only in the form of a post card that gives a summary of their position and platform.

The 1st time Bush, the younger, was elected was also the first time I voted democrat. It was based mostly on foreign policy statements by the candidates themselves. I am of the opinion, that if Gore had won, we would still be running massive surplusses, or have something tangible to show for it if we no longer had them. We would also, probably, not be in Iraq.