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9780415843676

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This is a very well-written, concise, and surprising comparison between the American parties and those in the UK and other Western democracies. It demonstrates that the American parties in the mid-1900s were not as 'irresponsible' as some have alleged, and that today's parties, while more 'responsible,' are not a natural fit with the current American political environment. Chapters end in great suggestions for student projects! -- Marjorie Hershey, Indiana University In a sophisticated and highly original analysis, the authors apply the responsible party model to the political, social and cultural development of recent times. The results can be surprising. Indispensable for anyone wanting to understand the modern party system. -- William Crotty, Northeastern University For decades, assessments of American political parties have been influenced by the norms and criticisms contained in the 1950 APSA report on Responsible Political Parties. This crisply-written book provides a valuable and often surprising reassessment of how American parties compared to parties in other nations and how much change has occurred since 1950. -- Jeffrey M. Stonecash, Syracuse University In important respects, American political parties are more responsible now than ever before. Harmel, Giebert, and Janda show how we know this to be true in a compelling and accessible fashion. Their 'be careful what you wish for' message is sure to provoke discussion in many classrooms. -- Jeffrey D. Grynaviski, Wayne State University

This is a very well-written, concise, and surprising comparison between the American parties and those in the UK and other Western democracies. It demonstrates that the American parties in the mid-1900s were not as irresponsible as some have alleged, and that today's parties, while more responsible, are not a natural fit with the current American political environment. Chapters end in great suggestions for student projects! - Marjorie Hershey, Indiana University In a sophisticated and highly original analysis, the authors apply the responsible party model to the political, social and cultural development of recent times. The results can be surprising. Indispensable for anyone wanting to understand the modern party system. - William Crotty, Northeastern University For decades, assessments of American political parties have been influenced by the norms and criticisms contained in the 1950 APSA report on Responsible Political Parties. This crisply-written book provides a valuable and often surprising reassessment of how American parties compared to parties in other nations and how much change has occurred since 1950. - Jeffrey M. Stonecash, Syracuse University In important respects, American political parties are more responsible now than ever before. Harmel, Giebert, and Janda show how we know this to be true in a compelling and accessible fashion. Their be careful what you wish for message is sure to provoke discussion in many classrooms. - Jeffrey D. Grynaviski, Wayne State University

Author Information

Robert Harmel is Professor of Political Science at Texas A&M University. Matthew Giebert is a Ph.D. student in Political Science at Texas A&M University. Kenneth Janda is Payson S. Wild Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Northwestern University.

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