The effects of assassination on the political process are analyzed, with emphasis on the conclusion that while assassination can change the individuals involved, it cannot eliminate the need for established rules and processes and cannot even change them fundamentally. The characteristics of numerous assassins are described, as are the methods used in a wide variety of assassinations. Deaths which at first appeared to be from natural causes but may have been assassinations are also discussed. Methods for dealing with the threat of assassination are considered, with the conclusion that no institution or government can ever be made completely secure from assassination. Numerous case examples illustrate the analysis. Chapter notes and 73 references are included.