Curing the Mischiefs of Faction

Curing the Mischiefs of Faction: Party Reform in America offers a profound exploration of the history and challenges of political party reform in the United States. Originating from the Jefferson Memorial Lectures at UC Berkeley, the book examines pivotal moments of transformation, from the end of congressional caucuses for presidential nominations in the 1820s to the groundbreaking McGovern-Fraser reforms of the 1970s. By intertwining historical narrative with insights from the author’s direct involvement in party reform efforts, the book illuminates how these changes have shaped—and been shaped by—the broader dynamics of American democracy.

Rather than following a strict chronological approach, the book organizes its discussion around recurring themes and enduring debates in party reform. This structure highlights the persistent tensions between inclusivity, governance, and representation that have influenced reform efforts throughout history. By examining these recurring issues with both scholarly depth and practical perspective, the book provides a rich resource for understanding the complexities of reforming political institutions in a way that balances democratic ideals with functional governance.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1975.