The American Political Party System: A Reference Handbook

What historical factors transformed American politics into the institution we know today? This in-depth look at America's party system traces its efficacy, sustainability, and popularity through six influential presidencies spanning 1790 to the present day.

• Theorizes how the presidencies of Jefferson, Jackson, Lincoln, McKinley, FDR, and Ronald Reagan marked the beginning of a new political party system at the time and considers how Obama's election might signal the latest transformation

• Contains essays that explain how political beliefs affect party identification, examine each party's platform on national security issues, and identify the effects the Trump campaign has on the Republican Party

• Features 15 primary documents including excerpts from the Federalist Papers and relevant sections of the U.S. Constitution

• Includes maps, bar and line graphs, and pie charts to illustrate key elements of the party system