Preface
xix
ing a broad range of sectional, cultural, and economic differences. Our
political parties, built upon a federal structure, are a reflection of that diversity.
A knowledge of the federal features of the Constitution, in other words,
and an appreciation of how the federal principle influences the political
process, give us greater insight into the programs and policies of our parties, while at the same time providing a standard by which to judge their
compatibility with the constitutional design. Simply put, the enterprising
student who wishes to acquire a solid understanding of the American
party system is sure to fall woefully short of expectation if the student
disregards or ignores the constitutional environment in which the parties
function.
Liberty, Order, and Justice, it may thus be seen, attempts to prepare the
reader for the study of American politics by focusing attention on the
constitutional superstructure. In this regard, it is quite unlike other introductory texts. The book introduces not only the general design of the system but, more important, seeks to explain how and why it functions as it
does. It deals with timeless principles that have shaped our political institutions and procedur