The Strange Hybrid Of The Early American State

American Political Development and Political History

“…Several influential historians who specialize in the post-1877 period have found Skowronek's characterization apt, as have scores of political scientists (Keller 2007;Galambos 1987). Specialists in the history of the early republic, in contrast, including this essayist, have almost uniformly rejected it as misleading (Edling 2010;John 2003John , 2004John , 2006aJohn ,b, 2008aJensen 2003). The early American state, political historians now agree, was stronger, more powerful, and more autonomous than Skowronek's characterization would lead one to assume.…”