While various analysts have described and explained party sorting—the growing relationship between partisanship and ideology—Schier and Eberly advance the discussion via a nuanced and thoughtful tracing of the consequences of party sorting for the operation of our national institutions.

Morris P. Fiorina, Wendt Family Professor of Political Science, Stanford University

In one thoughtful, approachable, and concise book, Steven Schier and Todd Eberly have concisely summarized what we know about party polarization. It is a great introduction to the most important trend of the last 40 years in American politics. Through engaging political stories, dissecting election returns, and analyzing political science, the reader will walk away with a profound understanding of what caused party polarization, what it has effected, and what can be done about it. Their provocative conclusion will be a great conversation starter in the classroom, over the dinner table, or at the water cooler.

Sean M. Theriault, The University of Texas at Austin

“Schier and Eberly address the critical question for contemporary politics – polarization in American democracy. This is a must read for scholars and informed citizens alike about the role and impact of ideology.”

Janet Box-Steffensmeier, The Ohio State University, 2019-20 President of the American Political Science Association