"This book introduces readers to politics by exploring the cultural foundations of American political ideals and understandings. The author discusses the basic values of America's political inheritance in order to identify the common political vision that unites the country and forms a common polity. Special emphasis is given to the way American political ideals inform the institutional commitments characteristic of American politics, and to the spirit of social justice that flows from the American concern for equal freedom. Carr highlights political culture, rather than government institutions, as the key to gaining a full understanding of political life."--BOOK JACKET.