Americans have died for the right to vote. Yet our democratic system guarantees no one, not even citizens, the opportunity to elect a government. Allan Lichtman calls attention to the founders' greatest error--leaving the franchise to the discretion of individual states--and explains why it has triggered an unending struggle over voting rights.-- Provided by publisher.

Introduction: Voters and non-voters -- The founding father's mistake -- A white man's republic -- Constructing and deconstructing the vote -- Votes for women -- The absent voter -- The Voting Rights Act of 1965 -- The new wars over the vote -- Reforming American voting -- Conclusion: The embattled vote.