An authoritative and comprehensive collection of essays by America's most formative political thinkers, this classic anthology has now been thoroughly revised and updated. The fourth edition features extensive new coverage of the role women have played in the development of American political thought from 1790 to the present as well as new documentation on the contributions of minorities. With its clear introductory essays preceding original source selections and helpful chronological organization, this text provides students with keen insights into the growth and development of political theory and thought, particularly American political thought.