Historians have tended to define politics in a variety of ways over the course of American history. These definitions have changed and varied over time due to a number of factors, including the changing nature of American society, the emergence of new political movements, and the shifting focus of historical research.

One early definition of politics was offered by the American Founding Fathers, who saw it as the process of governing a society and making decisions about the distribution of power and resources. However, this definition was limited in scope and did not take into account the full range of political activities that take place in a society.

In the late 19th century, historians began to adopt a broader definition of politics that included the study of social movements, political parties, and public opinion. This shift in focus was due in part to the rise of new political movements, such as the labor movement and the women’s suffrage movement. Historians also began to recognize the importance of public opinion in shaping political outcomes.

In the 20th century, historians continued to expand their definition of politics to include the study of race, gender, and class. This shift was due in part to the rise of new social movements, such as the civil rights movement and the feminist movement. Historians also began to recognize the importance of these factors in shaping political outcomes.

Today, historians define politics in a very broad sense to include all aspects of human interaction that involve the use of power. This definition encompasses a wide range of activities, including elections, government policy-making, social movements, and everyday interactions between people.

The changing definition of politics has had a significant impact on how historians have approached and written about the nation’s past. In the early days of American history, historians focused on the study of political institutions and the actions of prominent political leaders. However, as historians have adopted a broader definition of politics, they have begun to write about a wider range of topics, including the experiences of ordinary people, the role of social movements, and the impact of race, gender, and class on American politics.

Here are some specific examples of how the changing definition of politics has impacted how historians have written about American history:

• Historians of the early American republic once focused on the study of the Founding Fathers and their debates over the Constitution. However, more recent historians have also written about the experiences of ordinary people, such as slaves, women, and Native Americans, during this period.
• Historians of the Civil War once focused on the military aspects of the war and the actions of prominent political and military leaders. However, more recent historians have also written about the social and economic impact of the war, as well as the experiences of African Americans during this period.
• Historians of the Progressive Era once focused on the efforts of reformers to address social and economic problems. However, more recent historians have also written about the role of race, gender, and class in shaping the Progressive Era.

The changing definition of politics has also led to new debates among historians about the nature of American democracy and the role of politics in American society. For example, some historians argue that American democracy has always been limited and that it has been shaped by the interests of the wealthy and powerful. Others argue that American democracy has expanded over time and that it has become more inclusive of all Americans.

The debate over the definition of politics is likely to continue among historians for many years to come. However, one thing is clear: the changing definition of politics has had a significant impact on how historians have approached and written about the nation’s past.