American Political Thought

How do Americans think about foundational political questions? Covering the full span of U.S. history, American Political Thought: An Invitation offers a lively yet sophisticated overview of the nature and dynamics of American Political Thought for students and general readers alike.

 Award-winning scholar Ken Kersch’s engaging introduction situates the key debates in their historical, political and cultural context. He introduces the touchstone frameworks and ideas that are both deeply ingrained and yet have been actively re-made in a country that has spent 250 years of shifting circumstances battling over their real-world implications. Covering thinkers ranging from Jefferson to Rawls, Du Bois to Audre Lorde, he examines the ambiguities of the purportedly ‘consensus’ American principles of liberty, equality, and democracy as well as addressing questions ranging from ‘What are the foundations of a legitimate political order?

’ and ‘What is the appropriate role of government?

’ to ‘What are the appropriate terms of full civic membership ?

’ - and beyond.

 Politically balanced and inclusive, American Political Thought introduces the contested terrain concerning these core political questions as they were raised over the course of the USA’s often dramatic history.

Review

"Ken Kersch manages to showcase the complexity and diversity of American political thought in a way that students and others will find easy to understand. He helps us understand the American past, realize how that past connects to the present, and imagine the possibilities for an American future. He asks fundamental questions about American politics and then makes it possible for readers to come up with their own informed answers."Susan Mc

Williams Barndt, Chair and Professor, Pomona College Politics Department Co-Editor, American Political Thought“Scholars and educators have long needed a fresh analysis of the development of American political thought.

  Drawing on his deep knowledge of the diversity of American perspectives and experiences, Ken Kersch has met that need.

  His account of American political thought as a tradition of contention over who does and who should wield power superbly illuminates America’s past and our deeply contentious present—in ways that can benefit our future.”Rogers M. Smith, Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Political Science, University of Pennsylvania