Guide to U.s. Political Parties

Written by leading scholars of US political parties, this accessible reference for students in late high school and up provides a detailed overview on the history and role of political parties in America. The first part of the book highlights the ways in which the American version of democracy has created types of parties different from parties in other democratic nations, and the second part charts the historical development of parties from the Civil War through the 21st century. Later sections explain the nature of party organizations at different levels of government, the relationship between parties and voters, the roles of parties in state and federal government, and the major institutional forces surrounding political parties, including the mass media. Each reading ends with a brief summary and an extensive list of suggested reading. The two-column layout includes high-interest b&w photos. Annotation c2014 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)