Encyclopedia of U.S. Political History

CQ Press, forthcoming April 2010

7 volumes

AP high school, college, and general public

Explores the events, policies, people, ideas, institutions, groups, and movements that have created and shaped political life in the United States. With contributions from scholars in the fields of history and political science, this seven-volume set provides students, researchers, and scholars the opportunity to examine the political evolution of the United States from the colonial period to the present day. It identifies and illuminates patterns and interrelations in American political institutions, culture, and behavior.

Each volume covers one of seven time periods that correspond to key eras in American history. This chronological organization enables users to trace themes over time or to delve deeply into the interconnected elements of a particular era.

The essays and articles in this authoritative encyclopedia focus on the following five areas of coverage:

The evolution and development of:

• the three branches of government
• the presidency and the role of presidents in U.S. politics
• the Supreme Court and constitutional interpretation
• electoral politics and political parties
• political and social movements
• political ideas and theories
• civil rights and civil liberties
• policy in key areas such as taxation, social welfare, and immigration

The influence of wars and military engagements in the development of U.S. political institutions

The two-way interrelationship between economic trends and events and U.S. political history

The role and long-term impact of key events and actors on U.S. politics.

The history of women and key ethnic and racial groups through the perspective of American political history