Publisher's Synopsis
The lack of ideological depth and clarity of US political parties is often remarked on by observers. This book argues that appearances can deceive and seeks to introduce the complexity of the American party system to an international student audience. The text has been organized to examine the historical evolution of the party system and the forces that have shaped and re-shaped it. With this background established, the contemporary situation and scenarios for the future are closely examined. McSweeney and Zvesper focus their discussion on the main issues of party politics and interests, development, re-alignment, organization, elections and the electorate, parties in government and the debate over the decline and reform of the party system in the US. Essential reference information is included on the 1988 elections, and parties under the Bush presidency.;This book should be of interest to students and lecturers of American politics and government, and comparative party systems.
