The Nationalization of American Politics delves into the profound shifts in American political dynamics, focusing on the transformation of political parties and the rise of ideological frameworks that have reshaped the nation’s governance. Author William M. Lunch presents a compelling analysis of how, since the 1960s, local and state political influence has diminished, ceding ground to a centralized and ideologically driven national political landscape. This shift has redefined the relationship between government institutions and the electorate, as ideologies increasingly replace traditional party loyalties. Through firsthand observations, interviews, and detailed research, Lunch captures the nuanced interplay between evolving political behaviors and the structures that shape them.

At the heart of this study is an exploration of the role of ideology in modern American politics. Moving beyond classical definitions, the book examines how belief systems have become central to political identity, influencing policymaking, campaigning, and public discourse. Lunch’s insights, informed by years of participant observation in campaigns and political gatherings, offer a unique perspective on the ideological currents driving contemporary political movements. The Nationalization of American Politics is an essential resource for scholars, students, and readers interested in understanding the forces that continue to transform America’s political institutions and cultural identity.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1987.