American Character is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the ongoing struggle between individual rights and the good of the community in American politics.

Through a riveting journey spanning four centuries, author Colin Woodard traces the key strands in American politics and how different regions of the country have successfully or disastrously accommodated them.

Woodard argues that maintaining a liberal democracy requires finding a balance between protecting individual liberty and nurturing a free society, avoiding the extremes of libertarian or collectivist tyranny.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex history and diverse cultural influences that shape American politics today.