Realignment: The Theory that Changed the Way We Think about American Politics - Hardcover

Rosenof, Theodore

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 074253104X ISBN 13: 9780742531048

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2003

Synopsis

Realignment: The Theory that Changed the Way We Think About American Politics tells the dramatic story of how a new approach to American politics emerged in the afternmath of Harry Truman's stunning 1948 election upset victory. This approach―realignment theory―held that critical elections such as those of the Civil War era, the 1890's, and the 1930's shaped politics for decades to come.

Theodore Rosenof details how realignment theory emerged as the predominant explanation of electoral change and how, after decades of analysis, it remains a subject of continuing influence and controversy. The first history of this important theory, Realignment weaves history and political science into a compelling look at American elections.

About this title

About the Author

Theodore Rosenof is professor of history at Mercy College and the author of several books on political and economic history.

Review

For an excellent recent account of how many analysts have dealt with the realignment concept, see Theodore Rosenof's Realignment: The Theory That Changed the Way We Think about American Politics. In fact, Rosenof's book is an invaluable guide to the voluminous literature on American elections and political parties since the 1940s. (Alexander P. Lamis, Case Western Reserve University)

Compelling, wonderfully written, and fast-paced biography of a concept. This is a first-rate read for those specializing in American electoral politics. Essential. (CHOICE)

A fascinating and worthwhile contribution ot the literature on parties and elections. (Political Science Quarterly)

In this informative work, Theodore Rosenof provides the most comprehensive recounting to date of the history of the realignment perspective on American political history. (Journal of American History)

This book is the first full treatment of the evolution of "realignment theory," and it is intellectual history of a high order. It should appeal to students interested in American parties and elections as well as, more broadly, those interested in the development of American political science. (David R. Mayhew, Sterling Professor of political science, Yale University Journal of Interdisciplinary History)

This book makes a substantial contribution to our understanding of the history of American political science, and it will be of value to a wide audience of scholars. It is written in a clear and accessible way and the research is thorough. It provides a very valuable treatment of the history of the concept of realignment―this concept is important enough that the book will be of interest to all analysts of American political institutions who want to understand the distinctive patterns of change and continuity that have appeared in the United States. (David Plotke, New School University)

A useful primer for anyone interested in the evolution of a major theory that shaped political research for over forty years. (Journal of Southern History)

Edition details

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 074253104X
• ISBN 13: 9780742531048
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 248