America Past and Present integrates the social and political dimensions of American history into a rich chronological narrative, providing students with a full picture of the scope and complexity of the American past. Writing in a lively narrative style that tells the story of all Americans -- elite and ordinary, women and men, rich and poor, white majority and minorities -- the authors bring history to life for students taking the AP United States History course. The resulting story clearly emphasizes the role of human choice and action in the drama of national development, striking the appropriate balance between presenting factual information and offering critical analysis. - Back cover.