American Political History: A Very Short Introduction explores key turning points in American political history, the nature of the two-party system, representative presidential and congressional elections, struggles to expand the electorate, critical social protest and third-party movements, and the emergence of a democratic political culture within a republican form of government. Despite fierce debates over the meaning of the U.S. Constitution, a belief in the importance of constitutional order persists among political leaders and voters. There have been deep divisions about the extent of federal power, slavery, citizenship, immigration policy, civil rights, and economic, financial, and social policies. New immigrants, racial minorities, and women have also joined the electorate and the debates.