Approaching the American History survey course in an innovative way, this mid-length text features a more expansive definition of political history. The American Experiment 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 of government, identity, culture, and America and the world. The Second Edition retains the hallmark pedagogical approach of the previous edition. Marginal icons link students to the companion web site for interactive maps. Several chapter-opening features introduce students to the key themes of the text; these themes are revisited in the Conclusion. Each chapter concludes with a list of suggested readings, providing students with further opportunities for research.