"This volume examines the national and state party platforms of the Democrats, Whigs, and Republicans in nineteenth-century America. Overall, each major party presents a consistent message to the voters and policy positions that often conflict with those of the other party, depicting partisanship and polarization"-- Provided by publisher.

Parties, platforms, and American political development --Party platforms -- Overall findings -- Economics -- Statism -- Culture -- Government and political institutions -- Black enslavement and Civil Rights -- Foreign policy -- Labor.