In these 13 essays, Judith Shklar explores two themes crucial to discussions of American democracy: first, what she terms the "fundamental social condition" of American life - the tension between expansive political equality and persistent social inequality; and second, "redeeming" American political thought for those who believe it lacks the complexity and depth of the European tradition. She covers issues ranging from the use of history in political discourse to the effect of scepticism on politics and thinkers from Hamilton and Jefferson to Melville.