The elections of 1996, expected to settle political arguments, instead left them unsettled. Congressional Republicans and President Clinton both won, but not on the terms they hoped. Now, as the nation approaches the end of the century, power is flying out of Washington. The political landscape more closely resembles the pre-industrial America that Alexis de Tocqueville described in the 1830s than the industrial America in which most of us grew up. Centralization and hierarchy equality, and the nation is deeply divided along cultural and regional lines. We are seeing the birth of a 21st Century Tocquevillian America, and in this new-old America the political rules and players are different from those most Americans are ever. No other book offers so much information and such a clear map to our political present and future. Included are: -- Insightful, colorful profiles and photographs of all 535 Members of Congress and all 50 governors -- Voting records on important legislation -- A provocative introductory essay with an overview of past elections, major political figures, and predictions about where the country is headed -- Revealing descriptions of each state and congressional district with historical, economic, social and political background information -- Congressional ratings by National Journal and a dozen influential interest groups -- Updated maps showing each congressional district including recent redistricting changes -- 1996 election results for each Member of Congress and presidential results by congressional district The Almanac of American Politics also includes Michael Barone's invaluable political analysis and predictions, including a snapshot of the likely contenders for the presidency in 2000. The result is a book so comprehensive and up-to-date that former Senator Bill Bradley calls it "indispensable for anyone who follows American politics." For anyone interested in politics in America, The Almanac of American Politics is an essential book.