Focusing on the elections of 1980, 1982, and 1984, Mansfield critiques contemporary conservatism for its ignorance of the political theory implicit in the Constitution. "Provides `food for thought' for both `left' and `right,' and in particular for the American citizens about whom this book is concerned."--Bradley A. Kletscher, 'Constitutional Commentary.' 'The Johns Hopkins Series in Constitutional Thought.' Sotirios A. Barber and Jeffery K. Tulis, Series Editors.