Developed to meet the demand for a low-cost, high-quality history book, this economically priced version of THE AMERICAN EXPERIMENT, Third Edition offers readers the complete narrative while limiting the number of features, photos, and maps. All volumes feature a paperback, two-color format that appeals to those seeking a comprehensive, trade-sized history text. Approaching the American history survey course in an innovative way, this text features a more expansive definition of political history that includes all forms of politics, not just electoral politics, while simultaneously incorporating cultural history. With the specific aim of expanding history beyond elite actors, THE AMERICAN EXPERIMENT emphasizes everyday work, family life, customs, and objects of cultural history to address its four themes: the role of government, American identity, the broad concept of "culture," and America and the world. The Third Edition features an enhanced thematic approach that helps readers understand America's development as an experiment in politics, culture, and identity, within a global context.