Includes bibliographical references (pages 135-142) and index.; "American Political History : A Very Short Introduction captures the richness of American political history, focusing primarily on national politics. It explores the nature of the two-party system, key turning points in American political history, representative presidential and congressional elections, struggles to expand the electorate, and critical social protest and third-party movements"--Provided by publisher; The politics of the Constitution, 1787-89 -- Contentious people and factious parties in the Early Republic, 1789-1824 -- The age of democracy, 1816-44 -- The politics of slavery : prelude to the Civil War, 1844-60 -- Politics in war and Reconstruction, 1861-76 -- Gilded Age frustration and the Progressive response, 1877-1918 -- Affluence, depression, and world war, 1920-45 -- Early Cold War politics, 1945-74 -- Tumultuous politics continued, 1974-present.;