With Americans going to the polls next week, U.S Political Historian and Head of the School of History at ANU, Dr Douglas Craig, spoke with Amanda Vanstone on Radio National's Counterpoint program about US political dynasties.

For those living in Massachusetts 4th Congressional District a familiar name will be appearing on the ballot. Joseph P Kennedy III, grandson of Robert F Kennedy, is running for Congress. Mitt Romney is running for president, something his father tried in 1968. George W Romney was the governor of Michigan and was also secretary of housing and urban development in the Nixon White House. Add the names Clinton, Roosevelt and Adams and it would seem that there is only a tiny pool of people who are prepared to stand for office in the United States. But is this true?

Listen to the Dr Craig's interview with Amanda Vanstone.