Contesting Democracy: Substance and Structure in American Political History, 1775-2000

by Byron E. Shafer (editor), Anthony J. Badger (Editor)

In this defining statement about the state of the discipline, a "who's who" of prominent scholars addresses and critiques the entire sweep of American political history. Exemplifying the revitalizing power of the "new political history" and its renewed emphasis on large "P" politics, these writers have combined to produce an illuminating synthesis of the most recent work in the field.

Focusing upon both the major policy issues in the politics of each period (substance) and the major social forces shaping politics (structure), these essays chronicle and evaluate the evolution of American politics and society over two and a quarter centuries. In the process, they reflect their authors' strong collective commitment to a dynamic field of intellectual inquiry, while simultaneously highlighting key interpretive disputes within it.

An outstanding summary of current and recent thinking in the field, this book should become an essential volume for scholars and teachers in both history and the social sciences.

284 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Melissa Maxwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you read some of my reviews you will see that this is not my normal read but with school in full swing there will be more of these books. I have mixed opinions about the book some of the chapters were decent while others I had to struggle to get through. The book was constructed in an interesting way and the political divisions put forth in the book will inspire thought but more so will question your persieved thoughts of American Political History. I would recommend it to people interested in Political History but other than that it would probably be a dull read.

[Mark Cheathem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good compilation of essays related to American political development.