Grand Old Parties: A History of Partisanship
When it comes to partisan politics, Americans today are deeply conflicted. We want an engaged citizenry without the deep fissures in the body politic, but can we have it both ways? Have we EVER had it both ways?
The More Things Change: The History of Presidential Transitions
Commanders come and go—but what difference does it really make? In this hour, BackStory takes a closer look at the realities of presidential transitions. Send us your ideas, questions, and stories so you can join us on the air!
Mark Summers Web Exclusive
Ed Ayers interviews historian Mark Summers, Professor of History at the University of Kentucky and author of Party Games: Getting, Keeping, and Using Power in Gilded Age Politics. Prof. Summers discusses some of the hijinks associated with Gilded Age elections. [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Early and Often: Voting in America
Although the memory of hanging chads still clouds the electoral mood, elections have come a long way. But how effective is our current system? Does it accurately register the will of the People? And why did America’s founders opt out of direct democracy? With the help of callers, the History Guys provide the backstory on [...]
