"One of the most significant edited volumes on U.S. political history to come along in many years."-Rogan Kersh, New York University"Editors Skowronek and Glassman present seventeen essays that collectively explain the history of America's political development. . . . A compelling and provocative narrative."-Choice"A manifesto for the study of the United States' often peculiar politics, policies and institutions in historical perspective. . . . The essays in this volume emphasize the importance of political actors within institutional, systemic, and historical contexts for the development of American politics."-Australasian Journal of American Studies